Agilent/Keysight E5505A-System

The Agilent/Keysight E5505A System is a modular phase noise measurement platform for R&D and production environments. It combines standard instruments, specialized phase noise components, and PC-based software to characterize oscillators, synthesizers, amplifiers, and converters. The system measures absolute and residual phase noise, AM noise, and low-level spurious signals using PLL/reference source, discriminator, and delay-line techniques across frequencies from 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz


• Offset Range: 0.01 Hz to 100 MHz (expandable to 2 MHz or 100 MHz with N9030A PXA or N9020A MXA analyzers)


• Noise Floor: -180 dBc/Hz


• Measurement Modes: Absolute phase noise, residual phase noise, AM noise, low-level spurious signals, CW and pulsed signals

Key Features

• Modular architecture supports custom configurations and asset reuse


• One-port device characterization: VCOs, DROs, crystal oscillators, synthesizers


• Two-port device testing: amplifiers, converters


• Measurement techniques include PLL/reference source, residual and FM discriminator, and delay-line methods


• SCPI programming enables integration into Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems


• GPIB communication between instruments and controlling PC

System Components Typical configurations include Agilent/Keysight E5505A System controller, test set (e.g., N5500A Phase Noise Test Set), frequency counter (e.g., 53181A), and spectrum analyzer (e.g., E4411B ESA-L Series, 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz). System operates as one-bay wide System II rack or benchtop model.

Compatibility & Integration PC-based E5500 measurement software operates under Windows XP Professional, Windows 7, or Windows 10. GPIB and SCPI interfaces enable instrument control and ATE system integration. AC power requirements are documented in system specifications.