Agilent/Keysight E5052B

The Keysight E5052B Signal Source Analyzer is a single-instrument platform for RF and microwave signal source characterization. It combines phase noise measurement, transient analysis, and frequency tracking into one system, reducing test complexity and measurement time by over 10 times compared to conventional methods. The E5052B addresses demanding metrology requirements in R&D, manufacturing, and service environments through ultra-low noise floors, broad frequency coverage, and rapid acquisition.

Engineers use it to qualify local oscillators, synthesizers, clocks, and signal sources with critical performance margins. A large color LCD touchscreen interface streamlines operation and setup.

Technical Specifications

• RF input: 10 MHz to 7 GHz


• Analysis offset range: 1 Hz to 100 MHz


• Transient capture: up to 80 MHz narrowband, up to 4.8 GHz wideband


• Wideband mode: 250 MHz to 7 GHz


• Measurement bands: 10–41 MHz, 39–101 MHz, 99 MHz–1.5 GHz, 250 MHz–7 GHz


• Frequency tracking range: 0.4% of carrier


• Extension to 26.5 GHz with E5053A Downconverter; to 110 GHz with E5053A and 11970 series mixers Phase Noise Performance


• Measurement method: ultra-low noise floor via cross-correlation


• Random jitter floor: 9 femtoseconds at 10 Gbps


• SSB phase noise sensitivity (1 GHz carrier, +5 dBm, correlation = 1): – 1 Hz offset: –128 dBc/Hz – 10 Hz: –137 dBc/Hz – 100 Hz: –144 dBc/Hz – 1 kHz: –160 dBc/Hz – 10 kHz: –170 dBc/Hz – 100 kHz: –168 dBc/Hz – 1 MHz: –169 dBc/Hz


• Residual spurious response: 10 kHz offset with correlation > 120 sec; < –65 dBc typical at 1–10 kHz offset


• Reference oscillator bandwidth: Narrow or Wide


• LO optimization: 150 kHz (far-out)

Key Features

• Cross-correlation technique enables exceptional phase noise sensitivity by sampling oscilloscopes


• Simultaneous multi-parameter measurement reduces total test time


• Dual LO optimization modes address both wideband and close-in noise characterization


• Large touchscreen display with intuitive navigation

Typical Applications

• Local oscillator and frequency synthesizer validation


• Clock jitter and stability analysis


• Reference oscillator characterization


• Transient frequency behavior capture

Compatibility & Integration

• Frequency extension available via E5053A Downconverter


• Mixer compatibility with Keysight 11970 series for operation to 110 GHz