Agilent / Keysight E1441A Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The Agilent/Keysight E1441A is a C-size VXI arbitrary waveform generator employing direct digital synthesis to produce standard and custom waveforms for electronic testing, simulation, and communication system development. This message-based module delivers isolated output design that minimizes ground loops and common-mode noise, enhancing signal integrity across complex measurement scenarios. The E1441A provides substantial waveform generation capability at lower cost than comparable standalone function generators.

Note: This product is obsolete due to non-compliance with EU RoHS directive 2011/65/EU; Keysight continues service and support through its published end-of-life date.

Technical Specifications

• Arbitrary waveform resolution: 12-bit


• Maximum sample rate: 40 MSa/s


• Memory capacity: Up to 16,000 points per waveform; four 16k-deep arbitrary waveforms


• Waveform point range: 8 to 8,192 points, extendable to 16,000 points Frequency Performance


• Sine/square wave output: 100 µHz to 15 MHz


• Triangle/ramp wave output: 100 µHz to 100 kHz


• Gaussian noise bandwidth: 10 MHz


• Sine wave flatness <100 kHz: ±1% (0.1 dB)


• Sine wave flatness 100 kHz–1 MHz: ±1.5% (0.15 dB)


• Sine wave flatness 1–15 MHz: ±2% (0.2 dB) Output Specifications


• Amplitude into 50 Ω: 50 mVp-p to 10 Vp-p


• Amplitude into open-circuit load: 100 mVpp to 20 Vpp


• Output impedance: 50 Ω fixed


• Amplitude accuracy at 1 kHz: ±1% of specified output


• Offset range into 50 Ω: ±5 Vpk AC + DC


• Isolation voltage to earth ground: 42 Vpk maximum


• Output protection: Short-circuit protection; ±15 Vpk overdrive (<1 minute)


• Setting resolution: 3 digits (amplitude and offset)


• Output units: Vpp, Vrms, dBm Built-in Waveforms


• Sine, square, triangle, ramp, Gaussian noise, sinc (sin(x)/x), exponential rise/fall, cardiac, DC voltage Modulation & Sweep


• Internal modulation: AM, FM, FSK, burst


• Sweep types: Linear, logarithmic

Key Features

• Message-based VXI architecture for remote command-driven operation


• Isolated output eliminates ground-loop interference


• Non-volatile waveform storage


• Direct digital synthesis for precise frequency control


• Four independent 16k-point arbitrary waveform slots


• Optional high-stability timebase (Option 001)

Typical Applications

• RF and baseband signal simulation


• Component and subsystem characterization


• Communication system development and validation


• General-purpose function generation in VXI test racks

Compatibility & Integration Designed as a single C-size VXI slot module, the E1441A integrates into standard VXIbus mainframes supporting message-based instrument control.