Keysight (Agilent) E5055A SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer, 1 MHz to 8 GHz

The Keysight E5055A SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer characterizes RF signals from 1 MHz to 8 GHz with exceptional phase noise measurement sensitivity and residual noise analysis. This bench-top instrument delivers phase noise sensitivity to -177 dBc/Hz (typical at 1 GHz carrier, 1 MHz offset) and enables absolute, residual, and cross-correlation phase noise measurements across offset frequencies from 1 mHz to beyond 1 GHz. The analyzer integrates a built-in clean reference source, advanced path delay compensation for residual phase noise accuracy, and two DC voltage channels for VCO characterization and tuning.

Technical Specifications

• RF Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 8 GHz


• Phase Noise Offset Range: 1 mHz to > 1 GHz


• Phase Noise Sensitivity: -177 dBc/Hz (typical, 1 GHz carrier @ 1 MHz offset)


• System Noise Sensitivity: -175 dBc/Hz (typical)


• Cross-Correlation Factor: 1 to 100,000


• Residual Spurious Level: < -50 dBc (carriers < 100 MHz), < -80 dBc (carriers ≥ 100 MHz)


• Level Measurement Uncertainty: ±1 dB to ±1.2 dB across -20 dBm to +15 dBm input range

Key Features

• Dual-mode phase noise measurement with cross-correlation method


• Ultra-low residual phase noise through internal reference source and path delay compensation


• Option 100 (standard) and Option 200 (4 to 7 dB enhanced sensitivity to ~10 kHz offset)


• Two clean DC and tuning voltage outputs for VCO evaluation


• Full-span spectrum analysis with AM noise and baseband noise measurements


• Frequency, power, and phase transient analysis


• Clock jitter characterization


• Pulsed RF measurement capability (S96325B software)


• Optional two-port vector network analysis for DUT characterization

Typical Applications

• Oscillator and frequency synthesizer evaluation


• Phase noise and spectral purity assessment


• Clock stability and jitter analysis


• VCO tuning voltage and performance characterization


• Signal source quality assurance and validation

Compatibility & Integration The E5055A accepts sinusoidal RF inputs from 1 MHz to 8 GHz. Optional software modules expand measurement coverage for pulsed RF and VNA functionality. Enhanced phase noise sensitivity (Option 200) provides 4 to 7 dB advantage at offsets to approximately 10 kHz.