Keysight (Agilent) E5058A SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer, 1 MHz to 54 GHz

The Keysight (Agilent) E5058A SSA-X Signal Source Analyzer is a one-box instrument for precise characterization of signal sources across 1 MHz to 54 GHz. It measures phase noise, AM noise, residual noise, baseband noise, and transient behavior of RF signals with exceptional sensitivity down to -171 dBc/Hz. The analyzer features an integrated clean internal signal source with advanced path delay compensation for accurate residual phase noise measurement, supporting both absolute and cross-correlation methods.

It evaluates synthesizers, local oscillators, VCOs, and other signal sources through flexible measurement settings and multi-window interface.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 1 MHz to 54 GHz


• Offset Frequency Range: 1 mHz to > 1 GHz


• Phase Noise Sensitivity: -171 dBc/Hz (RF = 16 GHz @ 1 MHz offset, typical)


• SSB Phase Noise Sensitivity (Option 2xx): +10 dBm typical (< 44 GHz), +5 dBm (≥ 44 GHz) input; cross-correlation factor = 1


• Cross-correlation Factor: 1 to 100,000


• Level Measurement Uncertainty (sinusoidal input): ±1.2 dB (-20 dBm ≤ signal < -10 dBm, 1–8 GHz); ±1 dB (-10 dBm ≤ signal ≤ +15 dBm, 1–8 GHz); ±1.5 dB (+15 dBm < signal ≤ +20 dBm, 1–8 GHz); ±1 dB (-20 dBm to +15 dBm, 1–54 GHz)

Key Features

• Absolute and residual phase noise measurements via cross-correlation


• AM noise, residual noise, baseband noise analysis


• Frequency, RF power, and phase transient / RF transient measurements


• VCO characterization with two clean DC voltage channels and tuning voltage outputs


• Full-span spectrum analysis and spectrum monitor (up to 15 MHz span)


• Pulsed-RF measurements


• Option 100: Standard phase noise performance


• Option 200: Enhanced low-phase-noise reference (4–7 dB sensitivity advantage up to ~10 kHz offset)


• Option 401/400: LO out/IF in connectors for external mixer configurations above 54 GHz


• Two-port vector network analysis capability (optional)


• Clock jitter analysis via application-specific software (e.g., S96302B Precision Jitter Analysis) for SerDes and PLL evaluation

Typical Applications

• Oscillator and synthesizer validation


• Phase noise and jitter characterization of clock and SerDes components


• VCO tuning and performance evaluation


• Transient analysis of RF signal sources


• Wideband noise floor measurement

Compatibility & Integration The instrument supports external mixers and power dividers for DUT measurements exceeding 54 GHz. Application-specific software modules expand measurement scope beyond standard phase noise analysis.