Agilent / Keysight E4400B ESG-A Series Analog RF Signal Generator, 1 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight E4400B ESG-A is an analog RF signal generator with a frequency range of 250 kHz to 1 GHz. It delivers high performance and reliability, suitable for a variety of RF testing applications. It features versatile modulation capabilities and provides accurate signal generation for component and system testing.

Model
Agilent / Keysight E4400B
Calibration
Available on request
Price
$2,523
Status
In stock
RFQ ref
E4400B
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This unit

The Agilent/Keysight E4400B ESG-A Series is an analog RF signal generator delivering continuous-wave and modulated signals from 250 kHz to 1 GHz. Built for RF component characterization, receiver testing, and local oscillator applications in aerospace and defense environments, the instrument combines precise frequency and level control with extensive analog modulation flexibility. Although obsolete, the E4400B remains valued for its output accuracy of ±0.9 dB and reliable performance in demanding test scenarios.


Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 250 kHz to 1 GHz with 0.01 Hz resolution. Output Level: −136 dBm to +13 dBm. Level accuracy reaches ±0.5 dB above −127 dBm at frequencies below 2 GHz, and ±0.9 dB at higher frequencies. Power resolution is 0.2 dB. Modulation Capabilities: AM, FM (with deviations to 360 radians and rates to 4 MHz), phase modulation, and pulse modulation via Option 1E6. Internal modulation rates span 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz with external modulation sources available. FM paths M2 and FM2 limit to 1 MHz maximum rate. Sweep Modes: Frequency, amplitude, and step sweep (frequency, power, and list) with dwell times from 1 ms to 60 s and point counts from 2 to 401. Phase Noise: SSB phase noise varies by ESG series designation. Measurements calculated at +2.0 dBm for standard configuration or +5.0 dBm with Option UNB. Spectral Purity: Harmonics measure <30 dBc typical below 1 GHz at +4 dBm output. Non-harmonic content: 3 kHz offset) and 10 kHz offset) at output levels below +7 dBm. Reference Oscillator: Internal reference stability matches the timebase. Option 1E5 provides high-stability reference. Built-in Function Generator: Integrated generator supports 1 Hz to 40 MHz sample rates, 1 Hz resolution, and segment lengths from 16 samples to 1 Megasample.

Key Features



  • Wideband FM with deviation and rate control for complex modulation scenarios

  • Three independent modulation sources (internal and dual external)

  • Frequency and power step sweep modes with programmable dwell and point sequencing

  • Low harmonic and non-harmonic content for clean spectral output


Typical Applications RF receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing; component gain and compression characterization; local oscillator signal generation; aerospace and defense system validation.


Compatibility & Integration External modulation inputs accept analog signals for AM, FM, and phase modulation. FM rates exceeding 50 kHz may require external power supply. Pulse modulation option reduces maximum output power by 4 dB.

Agilent / Keysight E4400B — Repair & Calibration Service

Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight E4400B. Calibration covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.

Standard Cal
$450
Pass/fail cert + NIST sticker
Cal with Data
$650
Full NIST cert with measured values

Common Agilent / Keysight E4400B faults: YIG oscillator failure (no output or loss of lock), step attenuator wear (output drops or steps at set attenuation), ALC loop failure (uncontrolled output power), I/Q modulator assembly failure. HP/Agilent 836xx series most common faults are YIG oscillator failure and step attenuator contact wear causing output steps or drops at specific attenuation settings. Keysight E4428C/E4438C units most commonly develop ALC loop failure and I/Q modulator assembly faults. YIG oscillator replacement and attenuator service are stocked repairs.

Agilent / Keysight E4400B price

This Agilent / Keysight E4400B is listed at $2,523.4. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.

Agilent / Keysight E4400B calibration cost

NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight E4400B is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →