Agilent/Keysight E5504A

The Agilent/Keysight E5504A is a phase noise measurement system engineered for automated test environments and R&D applications. It delivers rapid characterization of VCOs, DROs, crystal oscillators, and synthesizers across an exceptionally wide frequency span. The system combines a phase noise test set with high-speed digitization, low-noise downconverters, and automation software to measure absolute and residual phase noise, AM noise, and spurious content on both CW and pulsed carriers.

Integration into existing ATE platforms, standalone operation, or pairing with complementary Agilent test sets - including the 8920 and 84000 series - makes the E5504A adaptable to diverse production and design workflows.

Technical Specifications

• Carrier frequency range: 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (expandable to 110 GHz with additional components)


• Offset frequency range: 0.01 Hz to 4 MHz (standard); optional extension to 100 MHz and beyond


• External noise input: 0.01 Hz to 1.0 MHz Measurement Performance


• Phase noise (absolute and residual), AM noise, low-level spurious signals


• System noise floor (typical, 10 kHz offsets): –180 dBc/Hz


• System spurious response (typical): –120 dBc


• Measurement accuracy: ±2 dB (<1.0 MHz offsets); ±4 dB (<100 MHz offsets) Phase Detector Input Levels


• R input: 0 to +23 dBm


• L input: +15 to +23 dBm Downconverter Input Ranges


• 1 GHz to 6 GHz


• 1 GHz to 18 GHz


• 1.5 GHz to 26.5 GHz

Key Features

• Direct AM noise measurement capability with internal AM detector and DC blocking filter for carriers to 26.5 GHz


• Pulsed and CW signal measurement


• Optional AM measurement at IF frequency using 70427A downconverter (2.4 to 6.0 GHz)


• Millimeter-band expansion via Agilent 11970 series harmonic mixers and 26.5 GHz microwave downconverter

Typical Applications

• Production testing of oscillators and synthesizers in ATE environments


• Phase noise and spectral purity characterization in R&D


• Spurious and AM noise evaluation of RF signal sources

Compatibility & Integration The E5504A operates on Windows NT 4.0 with PC-based control. Core components include the 70420A phase noise test set, VXI digitizer mainframe, and frequency-selective downconverters. System integration may require an Agilent/HP 82341C GPIB interface card.