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Agilent E4438C ESG

Vector Signal Generator

Data Sheet

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................ 3

Key Features .............................................................................................. 4

Specifications for Frequency and Power Characteristics .................. 5

Frequency ............................................................................................ 5

Sweep modes ..................................................................................... 5

Internal reference oscillator ............................................................. 5

Output power ...................................................................................... 6

Level accuracy....................................................................... 6

Repeatability and linearity .................................................. 8

Spectral purity .................................................................................. 10

Specifications for Analog Modulation ................................................ 12

Frequency bands .............................................................................. 12

Frequency modulation ..................................................................... 12

Phase modulation ............................................................................ 13

Amplitude modulation ..................................................................... 13

Wideband AM ................................................................................... 14

Pulse modulation ............................................................................. 14

Internal modulation source ............................................................ 15

External modulation inputs ............................................................ 15

External burst envelope .................................................................. 16

Composite modulation .................................................................... 16

Simultaneous modulation ............................................................... 16

Specifications for I/Q Characteristics ................................................. 17

I/Q modulation bandwidth ............................................................. 17

I/Q adjustments ............................................................................... 18

Baseband generator [arbitrary waveform mode] ....................... 18

Baseband generator [real-time mode] ......................................... 20

Specifications for Signal Personality Characteristics ...................... 21

3GPP W-CDMA ................................................................................ 21

IS-95 CDMA ...................................................................................... 22

cdma2000 ® ........................................................................................ 22

Enhanced multitone ....................................................................... 23

AWGN .................................................................................. 23

Custom modulation ........................................................... 24

GSM/GPRS ......................................................................... 25

EDGE/EGPRS

Bit error rate [BER] analyzer............................................. 26

General Characteristics ......................................................................... 27

Operating characteristics ............................................................... 27

Inputs and outputs ........................................................................... 28

Ordering Information .............................................................................. 34

Related Literature ................................................................................... 35

2

Introduction

Agilent Technologies E4438C ESG vector signal generator incorporates a broad array of capabilities for testing both analog and digital communications systems.

Flexible options provide test solutions that will evaluate the performance of nearly all current and proposed air interface standards. Many test functions can be customized to meet the needs of proprietary and other nonstandard wireless protocols as well. You can configure your instrument to address a wide variety of tests—from altering nearly every aspect of a digital signal or signal operating environment, to creating experimental signals. This flexibility, along with an architecture that accepts future enhancements makes the E4438C ESG vector signal generator an excellent choice for wireless communications system testing now and in the future.

E4438C ESG vector signal generator

Choose your required frequency range as an Option when configuring your

E4438C ESG vector signal generator. Please refer to the E4438C Configuration

Guide for complete ordering information. Literature number 5988-4085EN.

Definitions

Specifications (spec): Specifications describe the instrument’s warranted performance and apply after a 45 minute warm-up. All specifications are valid over the signal generators entire operating/environmental range unless otherwise noted. Supplemental characteristics, denoted typical or nominal, provide additional [nonwarranted] information useful in applying the instrument.

Column headings labeled “standard” imply that this level of performance is standard, without regard for option configuration. If a particular option configuration modifies the standard performance, that performance is given in a separate column.

Typical (typ): performance is not warranted. It applies at 25°C. 80% of all products meet typical performance.

Nominal (nom): values are not warranted. They represent the value of a parameter that is most likely to occur; the expected or mean value. They are included to facilitate the application of the product.

Standard (std): No options are included when referring to the signal generator unless noted otherwise.

3

Key Features

Key standard features

• Expandable architecture

• Broad frequency coverage

• High-stability time-base

• Choice of electronic or mechanical attenuator

• Superior level accuracy

• Wideband FM and FM

• Step and list sweep, both frequency and power

• Built-in function generator

• Lightweight, rack-mountable

• 1-year standard warranty

• 2-year calibration cycle

• Broadband analog I/Q inputs

• I/Q adjustment capabilities and internal calibration routine

• Excellent modulation accuracy and stability

• Coherent carrier output up to 4 GHz

Optional features

• Internal baseband generator, 8 or 64 MSa (40 or 320 MB) memory with digital bus capability

• ESG digital input or output connectivity with N5102A Baseband Studio digital signal interface module

• 6 GB internal hard drive

• Internal bit error rate (BER) analyzer

• Enhanced phase noise performance

• High output power with mechanical attenuator

• Move all front panel connectors to the rear panel

• Real-time channel emulation, up to 4x2 MIMO, with the N5106A PXB MIMO receiver tester

• Signal Creation software

– Signal Studio software

– Embedded software

– A complete list of software can be found in the ordering information

section or at www.agilent.com/find/signalstudio

This document contains the measured specifications for the instrument platform and personalities. It does not contain a full list of features for all optional personalities. Please consult the individual product overviews for each personality for a full listing of all features and capabilities. These are listed at the end of this document.

4

Specifications for

Frequency and Power Characteristics

Frequency

Frequency range

Option 1

501

502

503

504

506

Frequency minimum

250 kHz to 1 GHz

250 kHz to 2 GHz

250 kHz to 3 GHz

250 kHz to 4 GHz

250 kHz to 6 GHz [requires Option UNJ]

100 kHz 2

Frequency resolution

Frequency switching speed 3

0.01 Hz

Options 501-504

Options 501-504 with Option UNJ Option 506 with UNJ

Freq. 4 Freq./Amp. 5 Freq. 4 Freq./Amp. 5 Freq. 4 Freq./Amp. 5

Digital modulation on (< 35 ms) (< 49 ms) (< 35 ms) (< 52 ms) (< 41 ms) (< 57 ms)

(< 9 ms) (< 9 ms) (< 9 ms) (< 9 ms) (< 16 ms) (< 17 ms) off

[For hops < 5 MHz within a band]

Digital modulation on off

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms)

(< 9 ms) (< 33 ms) (< 53 ms)

(< 9 ms) (< 12 ms) (< 14 ms)

Phase offset Phase is adjustable remotely [LAN, GPIB, RS-232] or via front panel in nominal 0.1° increments

Sweep modes

Operating modes Frequency step, amplitude step and arbitrary list

Dwell time 1 ms to 60 s

Number of points 2 to 65,535 (step sweep)

2 to 161 (list sweep)

Internal reference oscillator

Stability 3

Aging rate

Standard

< ±1 ppm/yr

Temp [0 to 55° C]

Line voltage

Line voltage range

(< ±1 ppm)

(< ±0.1 ppm)

(+5% to –10%)

RF reference output

Frequency

Amplitude

10 MHz

4 dBm ±2 dB

RF reference input requirements

Frequency

Amplitude

Input impedence

With Option UNJ or 1E5

< ±0.1 ppm/yr or

< ±0.0005 ppm/day after 45 days

(< ±0.05 ppm)

(< ±0.002 ppm)

(+5% to –10%)

Standard With Option UNJ or 1E5

1, 2, 5, 10 MHz ± 10 ppm 1, 2, 5, 10 MHz ±.2 ppm

–3.5 dBm to 20 dBm

50 Ω

1. The E4438C is available as a vector platform only. For analog models refer to the E4428C.

2. Performance below 250 kHz not guaranteed.

3. Parentheses denote typical performance.

4. To within 0.1 ppm of final frequency above 250 MHz or within 100 Hz below 250 MHz.

5. Frequency switching time with the amplitude settled within ±0.1 dB.

5

Specifications for


Output power

18

16

14

12

10

0

Power

250 kHz to 250 MHz

> 250 MHz to 1 GHz

> 1 to 3 GHz

> 3 to 4 GHz

> 4 to 6 GHz

Options 501-504

+11 to –136 dBm

+13 to –136 dBm

+10 to –136 dBm

+7 to –136 dBm

N/A

Typical maximum available power

26

24

Option UNB

22

20

Option 501-504

1000 2000 3000

Frequency [MHz]

4000

With Option UNB

+15 to –136 dBm

+17 to –136 dBm

+16 to –136 dBm

+13 to –136 dBm

N/A

Option 506

5000 6000

Option 506

+12 to –136 dBm

+14 to –136 dBm

+13 to –136 dBm

+10 to –136 dBm

+10 to –136 dBm

Level resolution 0.02 dB

Level range with Attenuator Hold active

250 kHz to 1 GHz

> 1 to 3 GHz

> 3 to 4 GHz

> 4 to 6 GHz

Level accuracy [dB]

Options 501-504 1, 2

Options 501-504

23 dB

20 dB

17 dB

N/A

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz

2.0 to 3 GHz

3 to 4 GHz

+7 to

–50 dBm

±0.5

±0.6

±0.7

with Option UNB

27 dB

26 dB

23 dB

N/A

Power level

< –50 to

–110 dBm

±0.5

±0.6

±0.7

< –110 to

–127 dBm

±0.7

±0.8

±0.9

(±1.5)

(±2.5)

(±2.5)

Option 506

24 dB

23 dB

20 dB

20 dB

< –127 dBm

With Option UNB 2, 3

1. Quoted specifications for 23 °C ± 5 °C.

Accuracy degrades by less than 0.03 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.3 dB above +7 dBm, and by

0.8 dB above +10 dBm.



Accuracy degrades by less than 0.03 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.2 dB above +10 dBm, and by 0.8 dB above +13 dBm.


Accuracy degrades by less than 0.02 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.2 dB above +7 dBm.

Option 506 2, 4

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz

> 2.0 to 3 GHz

> 3 to 4 GHz

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz

> 2.0 to 3 GHz

> 3 to 4 GHz

> 4 to 6 GHz

+10 to

–50 dBm

±0.5

±0.6

±0.8

+7 to

–50 dBm

±0.6

±0.6

±0.8

±0.8

Power level

< –50 to

–110 dBm

±0.7

±0.8

±0.9

< –110 to

–127 dBm

±0.8

±1.0

±1.3

< –127 dBm

(±1.5)

(±2.5)

(±2.5)

Power level

< –50 to

–110 dBm

±0.8

±0.8

±0.9

±0.9

< –110 to

–127 dBm

±0.8

±1.0

±1.5

(±1.5)

< –127 dBm

(±1.5)

(±2.5)

(±2.5)

6

Specifications for


Level accuracy with modulation turned on [relative to CW]

Conditions: [with PRBS modulated data; if using I/Q inputs, √ I2 + Q2 = 0.5 Vrms, nominal] 1

Level accuracy with ALC on

π/4 DQPSK or QPSK formats

Conditions: With raised cosine or root-raised cosine filter and a ≥ 0.35; with 10 kHz ≤ symbol rate ≤ 1 MHz; at RF freq ≥ 25 MHz; power ≤ max specified –3 dB

Options 501-504

±0.15 dB

Constant amplitude formats [FSK, GMSK, etc]

Option 506

±0.25 dB

Options 501-504

±0.1 dB

Level accuracy with ALC off 1, 2

(±0.15 dB) [relative to ALC on]

Option 506

±0.15 dB

After power search is executed, with burst off.

Conditions:

Level switching speed 1

Options

501-504

Normal operation [ALC on] (< 15 ms)

When using power search manual (< 83 ms)

When using power search auto (< 103 ms) with

Option UNB

(< 21 ms)

(< 95 ms)

(< 119 ms)

Option 506

(< 21 ms)

(< 95 ms)

(< 119 ms)


2. When applying external I/Q signals with ALC off, output level will vary directly with I/Q input level.

7

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0

0

0.1

0.09

0.08

0.07

Specifications for


20

Repeatability and linearity

Repeatability

1900 MHz CW, 5 dBm, attenuator hold On, ALC On

0.5

0.45

Typical unit

Limits

0.4

0.35

40 60

Elapsed time (minutes)

80 100 120

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.10

0.05

0

0

Repeatability

1900 MHz CW, 5 dBm, attenuator hold Off, ALC Off

Typical unit

Limits

2 3 4 5 6

Elapsed time (minutes)

7 8 9 10

Repeatability measures the ability of the instrument to return to a given power setting after a random excursion to any other frequency and power setting.

It is a relative measurement that reflects the difference in dB between the maximum and minimum power readings for a given setting over a specific time interval. It should not be confused with absolute power accuracy, which is measured in dBm.

1

Relative level accuracy

Initial power 7 dBm

0.4

0.3

0.2

Lower limit

Lower STD deviation

Mean

Upper STD deviation

Upper limit

0.1

0

-0.1

-0.2

-0.3

-0.4

0 -20 -40 -60 -80

Final power (dBm)

-100 -120 -140

Relative level accuracy measures the accuracy of a step change from any power level to any other power level. This is useful for large changes (i.e. 5 dB steps). 1

1. Repeatability and relative level accuracy are typical for all frequency ranges.

8

Specifications for


Linearity

CW or GSM, 850 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-0.35

-0.4

-10

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0

-8

Typical STD unit

Typical Option UNB unit

Typical Option 506 unit

Lower limit

Upper limit

Limit is undefined above 13 dBM for STD units. Limit line applies only to UNB and 506 units.

Linearity measures the accuracy of small changes while the attenuator is held in a steady state (to avoid power glitches). This is useful for fine resolution changes.

-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

Amplitude (dBm)

8 10 12 14 16

Linearity

CW or GSM, 1900 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

0.05

0

-0.05

-0.1

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-10

Typical STD unit



Lower limit

Upper limit

-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4

Amplitude (dBm)

6 8 10 12 14 16

Linearity

CW or GSM 5750 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

0

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-10

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

Typical STD unit

Lower STD deviation

Upper STD deviation

Lower limit

Upper limit

-8 -6 -4 -2 0

Amplitude (dBm)

2 4 6 8 10

1. Repeatability and relative level accuracy are typical for all frequency ranges.

9

0

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-10

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0.05

0

-0.05

-0.1

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-10 -8

-8

Linearity

W-CDMA 2200 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-6 -4 -2 0

Amplitude (dBm)

2 4

Linearity

W-CDMA 5750 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-6 -4

Typical STD unit



Lower limit

Upper limit

-2 0

Amplitude (dBm)

2

Mean,Option 506 unit

Lower STD deviation

Upper STD deviation

Lower limit

Upper limit

4

6

6

1

8

8

Specifications for


Spectral purity

SSB CW Phase noise [at 20 kHz offset] 1

Standard at 500 MHz at 1 GHz at 2 GHz at 3 GHz at 4 GHz at 6 GHz

(< –124 dBc/Hz)

(< –118 dBc/Hz)

(< –112 dBc/Hz)

(< –106 dBc/Hz)

(< –106 dBc/Hz)

N/A

With Option UNJ

< –135 dBc/Hz, (< –138 dBc/Hz)

< –130 dBc/Hz, (< –134 dBc/Hz)

< –124 dBc/Hz, (< –128 dBc/Hz)

< –121 dBc/Hz, (< –125 dBc/Hz)

< –118 dBc/Hz, (< –122 dBc/Hz)

< –113 dBc/Hz, (< –117 dBc/Hz)


2. Refer to frequency bands on page 12 for

N values.

3. Harmonic performance outside the operating range of the instrument is typical.

4. Spurs outside the operating range of the instrument are not specified. Broadband noise is not tested.

5. Specifications apply for FM deviations

< 100 kHz and are not valid on FM.

For non-constant amplitude formats, unspecified spur levels occur up to the second harmonic of the baseband rate.

6. Specifications apply for CW mode only.

7. Calculated from phase noise performance in CW mode only at -2.5 dBm for standard instruments, -0.5 dBm with Option 506, and +2.5 dBm with Option UNB.

8. For other frequencies, data rates, or bandwidths, please contact your sales representative.

Residual FM 1 [CW mode, 0.3 to 3 kHz BW, CCITT, rms]

Option UNJ

Standard

< N x 1 Hz (< N x 0.5 Hz) 2

Phase noise mode 1

Phase noise mode 2

Harmonics 1, 3

Nonharmonics 1, 4

< N x 2 Hz

< N x 4 Hzv

[output level ≤ +4 dBm, ≤ +7.5 dBm Option UNB,

≤ +4.5 dBm Option 506] < –30 dBc above 1 GHz,

(< –30 dBc 1 GHz and below)

[≤ +7 dBm output level, ≤ +4 dBm Option 506]

Standard

> 3 kHz offset

250 kHz to 250 MHz

250 MHz to 500 MHz

500 MHz to 1 GHz

1 to 2 GHz

2 to 4 GHz

4 to 6 GHz

Subharmonics

< –53 dBc (< –68 dBc)

< –59 dBc (< –74 dBc)

< –53 dBc (< –68 dBc)

< –47 dBc (< –62 dBc)

< –41 dBc (< –56 dBc)

N/A N/A

Standard

≤ 1 GHz

> 1 GHz

Jitter in μUI 1, 7, 8

Carrier frequency

155 MHz

622 MHz

2,488 GHz

SONET/SDH data rates

155 MB/s

622 MB/s

2488 MB/s

None

< –40 dBc rms jitter bandwidth

100 Hz to 1.5 MHz

1 kHz to 5 MHz

5 kHz to 15 MHz

> 10 kHz offset

With Option UNJ 6

> 3 kHz

< 10 kHz offset

> 10 kHz offset

(< –58 dBc)

(< –81 dBc)

(< –75 dBc)

(< –69 dBc)

(< –63 dBc)

N/A

< –65 dBc

< –80 dBc

< –80 dBc

< –74 dBc

< –68 dBc

< –62 dBc

(< –58 dBc)

< –80 dBc

< –80 dBc

< –74 dBc

< –68 dBc

< –62 dBc

With Option UNJ

None

None

Standard

(µUI rms)

(359)

(158)

(384)

With Option UNJ

(µUI rms)

(78)

(46)

(74)

Jitter in seconds 1, 7, 8

Carrier frequency

SONET/SDH data rates

155 MHz

622 MHz

2,488 GHz

155 MB/s

622 MB/s

2488 MB/s rms jitter bandwidth

100 Hz to 1.5 MHz

1 kHz to 5 MHz

5 kHz to 15 MHz

Standard

(µUI rms)

(2.4 ps)

(255 fs)

(155 fs)

With Option UNJ

(µUI rms)

(0.6 ps)

(74 fs)

(30 fs)

10

Specifications for


With Option 1E5

Characteristic SSB phase noise

With Option UNJ fc = 850 MHz

CW mode

I/Q on fc = 850 MHz

CW mode

I/Q on fc = 1900 MHz

CW mode


CW mode

I/Q on

CW mode


CW mode


PN mode 1

PN mode 2

Phase noise mode 1 and 2 at fc = 900 MHz fc = 5.7 GHz [Option 506]

I/Q on or CW mode

11

Specifications for Analog Modulation

Frequency bands

Frequency modulation

1, 2

Band Frequency range

3

4

1

2

5

6

250 kHz to ≤ 250 MHz

> 250 MHz to ≤ 500 MHz

> 500 MHz to ≤ 1 GHz

> 1 to ≤ 2 GHz

> 2 to ≤ 4 GHz

> 4 to ≤ 6 GHz

N number

1

0.5

1

2

4

8

Maximum deviation 3

Standard With Option UNJ

N x 8 MHz N x 1 MHz

Resolution 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, whichever is greater

Modulation frequency rate 4 [deviation = 100 kHz]

Coupling 1 dB bandwidth 3 dB bandwidth

FM path 1[DC]

FM path 2 [DC]

FM path 1 [AC]

FM path 2 [AC]

DC to 100 kHz

DC to 100 kHz

20 Hz to 100 kHz

20 Hz to 100 kHz

(DC to 10 MHz)

(DC to 0.9 MHz)

(5 Hz to 10 MHz)

(5 Hz to 0.9 MHz)

Deviation accuracy 3 [1 kHz rate, deviation < N x 100 kHz]

< ± 3.5% of FM deviation + 20 Hz

Carrier frequency accuracy relative to CW in DCFM 3, 5

±0.1% of set deviation + (N x 1 Hz)

Distortion 3 [1 kHz rate, dev.= N x 100 kHz]

< 1%

FM using external inputs 1 or 2

Sensitivity 1 V peak

f or indicated deviation

Input impedance 50 Ω, nominal

FM path 1 and FM path 2 are summed internally for composite modulation.

The FM 2 path is limited to a maximum rate of 1 MHz. The FM 2 path must be set to a deviation less than FM 1 path.

1. All analog performance above 4 GHz is typical.

2. For non-Option UNJ units, specifications apply in phase noise mode 2 [default].

3. Refer to frequency bands on this page to compute specifications.


5. At the calibrated deviation and carrier frequency, within 5 °C of ambient temperature at time of calibration.

12


Phase modulation

1, 2

Amplitude modulation

1, 6

[fc > 500 kHz]

1. All analog performance above 4 GHz is typical.

2. For non-Option UNJ units, specifications apply in phase noise mode 2 [default].

3. Refer to frequency bands on page 12 for N.


5. Bandwidth is automatically selected based on deviation.

6. AM is typical above 3 GHz or if wideband

AM or I/Q modulation is simultaneously enabled.

7. Peak envelope power of AM must be 3 dB less than maximum output power below

250 MHz.

Resolution 0.1% of set deviation

Modulation frequency response 3, 4

Standard

Mode

Normal BW

High BW 6

With option UNJ

Maximum deviation

N x 80 radians

N x 8 radians

N x 1.6 radians

Allowable rates [3 dB BW]

ΦM path 1

DC to 100 kHz

(DC to 1 MHz)

(DC to 10 MHz)

ΦM path 2

DC to 100 kHz

(DC to 0.9 MHz)

(DC to 0.9 MHz)

Mode

Normal BW

High BW

Maximum deviation

N x 10 radians

N x 1 radians

Allowable rates [3 dB BW]

ΦM path 1 ΦM path 2

DC to 100 kHz

(DC to 1 MHz)

DC to 100 kHz

(DC to 0.9 MHz)

Deviation accuracy [1 kHz rate, Normal BW mode]

< ±5% of deviation + 0.01 radians

Distortion 3 [1 kHz rate, deviation < 80 radians on standard model, < 10 N radians on Option UNJ models, Normal BW mode]

< 1%

ΦM using external inputs 1 or 2




Paths ΦM path 1 and ΦM path 2 are summed internally for composite modulation. The ΦM 2 path is limited to a maximum rate of 1 MHz. ΦM path 2 must be set to a deviation less than the FM path 1.

Range

Resolution

0 to 100%

0.1%

Rates [3 dB bandwidth]

DC coupled

AC coupled

Accuracy 4, 7

Distortion 4, 7 [1 kHz rate, THD]

0 to 10 kHz

10 Hz to 10 kHz

1 kHz rate < ±(6% of setting +1%)

Option 501-504/Option UNJ Option 506

30% AM

90% AM

< 1.5%

(< 4%)

AM using external inputs 1 or 2

< 1.5%

(< 5%)




Paths AM path 1 and AM path 2 are summed internally for composite modulation.

13


Wideband AM

Pulse modulation

Rates [1 dB bandwidth] 1

ALC on

ALC off

(400 Hz to 40 MHz)

(DC to 40 MHz)

Wideband AM using external 1 input only

Sensitivity 0.5 V = 100%


On/off ratio 1

≤ 4 GHz

> 4 GHz

Rise/fall times 1

> 80 dB

(> 64 dB)

(150 ns)

Minimum width 1

ALC on

ALC off

Pulse repetition frequency 1

ALC on

ALC off

RF on

RF off

Input impedance

Internal pulse generator

(2 µs)

(0.4 µs)

(10 Hz to 250 kHz)

(DC to 1.0 MHz)

Level accuracy 1, 2 [relative to CW at ≤ 4 dBm standard, ≤ 7.5 dBm Option UNB,

≤ 4.5 dBm Option 506]

(< ±1 dB)

Pulse modulation using external inputs

Input voltage

> +0.5 V, nominal

< +0.5 V, nominal

50 Ω, nominal

Square wave rate 0.1 Hz to 20 kHz

Pulse

Period

Width

Resolution

8 μs to 30 seconds

4 μs to 30 seconds

2 μs


2. With ALC off, specifications apply after the execution of power search. With ALC on, specifications apply for pulse repetition rates ≤ 10 kHz and pulse widths ≥ 5 μs.

14


Internal modulation source

Provides modulating signal for FM,

AM, pulse and phase modulation signals, and provides LF output source for basic function generator capability.

External modulation inputs

Waveforms

Rates range

Sine, square, ramp, triangle, pulse, noise

Sine

Square, ramp, triangle

0.1 Hz to 100 kHz

0.1 Hz to 20 kHz

Resolution 0.1 Hz

Frequency accuracy Same as RF reference source

Swept sine mode [frequency, phase continuous]

Operating modes

Frequency range

Sweep time

Resolution

Dual sinewave mode

Frequency range

Amplitude ratio

Amplitude ratio resolution

LF audio out mode

Amplitude

Triggered or continuous sweeps

0.1 Hz to 100 kHz

1 ms to 65 sec

1 ms

0.1 Hz to 100 kHz

0 to 100%

0.1%

0 to 2.5 V peak into 50 Ω

Output impedance 50 Ω, nominal

Noise

Noise with adjustable amplitude generated as a peak-to-peak value

(RMS value is approximately 80% of the displayed value)

Modulation types

Ext 1

Ext 2

FM, ΦM, AM, pulse, and burst envelope

FM, Φ M, AM, and pulse

LO/HI annunciator [100 Hz to 10 MHz BW, AC coupled inputs only].

Activated when input level error exceeds 3% [nominal].

15


External burst envelope

Composite modulation

Simultaneous modulation

Input voltage

RF on

RF off

Linear control range

On/off ratio 1

0 V

–1.0 V

0 to –1 V

Condition: V in

below –1.05 V

≤ 4 GHz

> 4 GHz

Rise/fall time 1

Condition: With rectangular input

(< 2 µs)

Minimum burst repetition frequency 1

Input port

ALC on

ALC off

Input impedance

(10 Hz)

DC

External 1

50 Ω, nominal

AM, FM, and ΦM each consist of two modulation paths which are summed internally for composite modulation. The modulation sources may be any two of the following: Internal, External 1, External 2.

Multiple modulation types may be simultaneously enabled. For example,

W-CDMA, AM, and FM can run concurrently and all will affect the output RF.

This is useful for simulating signal impairments. There are some exceptions:

FM and FM cannot be combined; AM and Burst envelope cannot be combined;

Wideband AM and internal I/Q cannot be combined. Two modulation types cannot be generated simultaneously by the same modulation source.


16

Specifications for I/Q Characteristics

I/Q modulation bandwidth

I/Q inputs

Input impedance

Full scale input 1

50 Ω or 600 Ω

√I 2 + Q 2 = 0.5 V rms

I/Q bandwidth using external I/Q source (ALC off) 2

-5.00

-7.00

-9.00

-11.00

-13.00

3.00

1.00

-1.00

-3.00

-15.00

-150

850 MHz carrier

1900 MHz carrier



-100 -50 0 50

Frequency offset from carrier [MHz]

100 150

I/Q bandwidth using internal I/Q source (Options 001, 002, 601, 602)

3.00

1.00

-1.00

-3.00

-5.00

-7.00

-9.00

-11.00

-13.00

-15.00

-50 -30

850 MHz

1800 MHz

1900 MHz

2200 MHz

5700 MHz

-10 10

Frequency offset from carrier [MHz]

30 50

1. The optimum I/Q input level is √ I between 0.25 and 1.0 V rms

.

2 + Q 2 = 0.5 V rms

, I/Q drive level affects EVM, origin offset, spectral regrowth, and noise floor. Typically, level accuracy with ALC on will be maintained with drive levels


17


I/Q adjustments

Baseband generator

[arbitrary waveform mode]

[Option 601 or 602]

Source

I/Q baseband inputs

I/Q baseband outputs

RF output

Parameter

Impedance

I offset [600 Ω only]

Q offset [600 Ω only]

20 Hz to 100 kHz

I/Q offset adjustment

I/Q offset resolution

I/Q gain balance

I/Q attenuation

I/Q low pass filter

I/Q offset adjustment

I/Q gain balance

I/Q attenuation

I/Q quad skew

[≤ 3.3 GHz]

[> 3.3 GHz]

I/Q low pass filter

I/Q baseband outputs 1

Differential outputs

Single ended

Frequency range

Output voltage into 50 Ω

Output impedance

I, I, Q, Q

I, Q

DC to 40 MHz [with sinewave]

(1.5 V P-P) [with sinewave]

50 Ω, nominal

Range

50 or 600 Ω

± 5 V

± 5 V

(5 Hz to 0.9 MHz)

± 3 V

1 mV

± 4 dB

0 to 40 dB

40 MHz, through

± 50%

± 4 dB

0 to 40 dB

± 10°

± 5°

2.1 MHz, 40 MHz, through

Channels 2 [I and Q]

Resolution 16 bits [1/65,536]

Arbitrary waveform memory

Maximum playback capacity 8 megasamples (MSa)/channel [Option 601]

64 MSa/channel [Option 602]

Maximum storage capacity 1.2 GSa [Option 005]

2.8 MSa [Standard]

Waveform segments

Segment length

Maximum number of segments

60 samples to 8 or 64 MSa

1,024 [8 MSa volatile memory]

8,192 [64 MSa volatile memory]

256 samples or 1 KB blocks Minimum memory allocation

Waveform sequences

Maximum total number of segment files stored in the non-volatile file system

Sequencing

16,384

Continuously repeating

Maximum number of sequences

Maximum segments/sequence

Maximum segment repetitions

16,384 [shared with number of segments]

32,768 [including nested segments]

65,536


18



Clock

Sample rate

Resolution

Accuracy

Baseband filters

40 MHz

2.1 MHz

Through

Reconstruction filter: [fixed]

50 MHz

Baseband spectral purity 1

[full scale sinewave]

Harmonic distortion

100 kHz to 2 MHz

Phase noise

1 Hz to 100 MHz

0.001 Hz

Same as timebase +2 -42

[in non-integer applications] used for spur reduction used for ACPR reduction used for maximum bandwidth

[used for all symbol rates]

(< –65 dBc)

(< –127 dBc/Hz)

[baseband output of 10 MHz sinewave at 20 kHz offset]

IM performance (< –74 dB)

[two sinewaves at 950 kHz and 1050 kHz at baseband]

Triggers

Types

Source

External polarity

External delay time

External delay resolution

Trigger accuracy

Trigger latency

Continuous, single, gated, segment advance

Trigger key, external, remote [LAN, GPIB, RS-232]

Negative, positive

10 ns to 40 sec plus latency

10 ns

±1/sample rate

See users guide

Markers

[Markers are defined in a segment during the waveform generation process, or from the ESG front panel. A marker can also be tied to the RF blanking feature of the ESG.]

Marker polarity

Number of markers

Negative, positive

4

Multicarrier

Number of carriers Up to 100 [limited by a max bandwidth of 80 MHz depending on symbol rate and modulation type]

–40 MHz to +40 MHz Frequency offset

[per carrier]

Power offset

[per carrier]

Modulation

PSK

0 dB to –40 dB

BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, π/4DQPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK,

D8PSK

4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256

Selectable: 2, 4, 8, 16

QAM

FSK

MSK

ASK

Data

Baseband filters

Number of tones

Frequency spacing

Phase [per tone]

Random ONLY

2 to 64, with selectable on/off state per tone

100 Hz to 80 MHz

Fixed or random

19


Baseband generator

[real-time mode]

[Option 601 or 602]

Basic modulation types [custom format]

PSK

MSK

ASK

QAM

FSK

BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, π/4DQPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, D8PSK

User-defined phase offset from 0 to 100°

User-defined depth from 0.001 to 100%

4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256

Selectable: 2, 4, 8, 16 level symmetric, C4FM

User defined: Custom map of up to 16 deviation levels

Symbol rate Maximum deviation

< 5 MHz 4 times symbol rate

> 5 MHz,

< 50 MHz

20 MHz

Resolution: 0.1 Hz

Custom map of 256 unique values I/Q

FIR filter

Selectable Nyquist, root Nyquist, Gaussian, rectangular, Apco 25

a: 0 to 1, B b

T: 0.1 to 1

Custom FIR 16-bit resolution, up to 64 symbols long, automatically resampled to 1024 coefficients [max]

> 32 to 64 symbol filter: symbol rate ≤ 12.5 MHz

> 16 to 32 symbol filter: symbol rate ≤ 25 MHz

Internal filters switch to 16 tap when symbol rate is between 25 and 50 MHz

Symbol rate

For external serial data, symbol rate is adjustable from 1000 symbols/sec to a maximum symbol rate of

50 Mbits/sec

#bits/symbol

For internally generated data, symbol rate is adjustable from

1000 symbols/sec to 50 Msymbols/sec. and a maximum of

8 bits per symbol. Modulation quality may be degraded at high symbol rates. See data types for memory requirements.

Baseband reference frequency

Input Data clock can be phase locked to an external reference. 13 MHz for GSM, 250 kHz to 100 MHz in W-CDMA and cdma2000 1, 2 ECL, CMOS, TTL compatible, 50 Ω AC coupled

Frame trigger delay control

Range 0 to 1,048,575 bits

Resolution 1 bit

1. Performance below 1 MHz not specified.

2. When used, this baseband reference is independent of the 10 MHz RF reference.

20


Data types

Internally generated data

Pseudo-random patterns

Repeating sequence

PN9, PN11, PN15, PN20, PN23 1

Any 4-bit sequence

Other fixed patterns

Direct-pattern RAM [PRAM]

Max size Option 601

Option 602

8 Mbits

64 Mbits

[each bit uses an entire sample space]

Use

User file

Non-standard framing

Max size Option 601

Option 602

Use

Externally generated data

Type Serial data

Inputs Data, bit clock, symbol sync

800 kB

6.4 MB

Continuous modulation or internally generated TDMA standard

Inputs Accepts data rates ±5% of specified data rate

Internal burst shape control

Varies with standards and bit rates

Rise/fall time range

Rise/fall delay range

Up to 30 bits

0 to 63.5 bits

Specifications for Signal Personality Characteristics

3GPP W-CDMA

[arbitrary waveform mode

3

]

[Option 400]

Error vector magnitude 2

[1.8 GHz < f c

< 2.2 GHz, root Nyquist filters, 40 MHz baseband filter, EVM optimization mode 3.84 Mcps chip rate, ≤ 4 dBm, ≤ 7 dBm with Option UNB]

1 DPCH ≤ 1.8%, (0.9%)

Level accuracy [relative to CW at 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2200 MHz] 2

[≤ 2.5 dBm standard, 7.5 dBm for Option UNB, and 4.5 dBm for Option 506]

±0.7 dB (±0.35 dB)

Adjacent channel leakage ratio 2

[1.8 GHz < fc < 2.2 GHz, default W-CDMA filters, 3.84 Mcps chip rate, ≤ 0 dBm

Option UNB, ≤ –2 dBm Option 506, ≤ –3 dBm standard in Optimize ADJ mode]

1 DPCH –65 dBc (–67 dBc)

Test Model 1 –63 dBc (–66 dBc)

+ 64 DPCH

Alternate channel leakage ratio 2

[1.8 GHz < fc < 2.2 GHz, default W-CDMA filters, 3.84 Mcps chip rate, ≤ 2.5 dBm standard, ≤ 4.5 dBm Option 506, ≤ 7.5 dBm Option UNB, in Optimize ALT mode]

1 DPCH –71 dBc (–75 dBc)

Test Model 1 –70 dBc (–73 dBc)

+ 64 DPCH

1. PN23 is too large for Option 601 for modulation formats with 3, 5, 6, or 7 bits/symbol if the bit rate is greater than 50 Mbit/sec.


3. Valid for 23° ±5° C.

21


IS-95 CDMA

[arbitrary waveform mode

1

]

[Option 401]

Spurious emissions

[dBc, IS-95 modified filter with equalizer and amplitude = ≤ -5 dBm standard,

≤ -3 dBm for Option 506, ≤ 0 dBm for Option UNB] 2

0.885 to 1.25 MHz 1.25 to 1.98 MHz 1.98 to 5 MHz

Frequencies/offsets Standard Option 506 Standard Option 506 Standard Option 506

Reverse

30 – 200 MHz

700 – 1000 MHz

>1000 – 2000 MHz

(–74)

–73 (–77)

–76 (–79)

(–74)

–73 (–77)

–76 (–79)

(–77)

(–81)

(–83)

(–77)

(–81)

(–83)

(–77)

(–85)

(–85)

(–77)

(–85)

(–85)

9/64 channels

30 – 200 MHz

700 – 1000 MHz

>1000 – 2000 MHz

(–70)

–73 (–76)

–72 (–76)

(–70)

–73 (–76)

–71 (–76)

(–73)

(–79)

(–79)

(–73)

(–79)

(–79)

(–76)

(–82)

(–82)

(–76)

(–82)

(–82)

Rho 1 [≤ 4 dBm standard and Option 506, or ≤ 7 dBm Option UNB, IS-95 filter,

≤ 2 GHz] ρ ≥ 0.9992 (.9998)

cdma2000


[Option 401]

Spurious emissions

[dBc, IS-95 modified filter with equalizer and amplitude = ≤ -5 dBm standard,

≤ -3 dBm for Option 506, ≤ 0 dBm for Option UNB]

Frequencies/offsets 2.135 to 2.50 MHz

Forward 9 channel, SR3/multi-carrier 1, 3

30 – 200 MHz

700 – 1000 MHz

>1000 – 2000 MHz

(–70)

(–75)

(–75)

Offsets from center of carrier

2.50 to 3.23 MHz

(–69)

(–74)

(–74)

3.23 to 10 MHz

(–69)

(–77)

(–77)

Frequencies/offsets 2.655 to 3.75 MHz

Forward 9 channel, SR3/DS1, 4

30 – 200 MHz

700 – 1000 MHz

>1000 – 2000 MHz

(–76)

(–80)

(–80)

Offsets from center of carrier

3.75 to 5.94 MHz

(–78)

(–83)

(–83)

5.94 to 10 MHz

(–75)

(–85)

(–85)

Reverse 5 channel, SR3/DS 1, 3

30 – 200 MHz

700 – 1000 MHz

>1000 – 2000 MHz

(–78)

(–82)

(–82)

(–78)

(–83)

(–83)

(–75)

(–85)

(–85)

Error vector magnitude

[≤ 4 dBm standard and Option 506, ≤ 7 dBm for Option UNB]

[825 to 2100 MHz, SR3 pilot, IS-95 filter, which is optimized for EVM] 1

EVM ≤ 2.1%, (≤ 1.5%)

1. Performance below 1 MHz not specified.

2. When used, this baseband reference is independent of the 10 MHz RF reference.

22


AWGN

[real-time mode]

[Option 403]

Noise bandwidth 50 kHz to 80 MHz

Crest factor [output power set at least 16 dB below maximum power]

> 16 dB

Randomness

Carrier to noise ratio

89 bit pseudo-random generation, repetition period

3 x 10 9 years

Magnitude error ≤ 0.2 dB at baseband I/Q outputs

AWGN


[Option 403]

Noise bandwidth

Randomness

Repetition period

50 kHz to 15 MHz

14 to 20 bit pseudo-random waveform with fixed or random seed

0.4 ms to 2 s (dependent on noise bandwidth and waveform length)

1. All values typical.

23


Custom modulation

[real-time mode]

Custom digitally modulated signals [real-time mode] 1, 2

Modulation

Filter

Filter factor [α or B b

T]

Modulation index

Symbol rate [Msym/s]

QPSK π/4DQPSK 16QAm

0.25

Root Nyquist

0.25

0.25

N/A

4

N/A

4

N/A

4 fc = 1 GHz fc = 2 GHz fc = 3 GHz fc = 4 GHz fc = 5 GHz fc = 6 GHz

Error vector magnitude 3, 4

[% rms]

1.1 (0.7)

1.2 (0.8)

1.6 (1.0)

2.5 (1.4)

1.5 (1.0)

1.8 (1.2)

1.1 (0.7)

1.2 (0.8)

1.6 (1.0)

2.5 (1.3)

1.5 (1.0)

1.8 (1.2)

1.0 (0.6)

1.0 (0.6)

1.5 (0.9)

3.3 (1.9)

1.2 (0.8)

2.0 (1.4)

2FSK

0.5

0.5

1

Shift error 3, 4

[% rms]

1.3 (0.8)

1.4 (0.9)

1.8 (1.0)

3.3 (2.0)

1.8 (1.2)

2.0 (1.4)

GMSK

Gaussian

0.5

N/A

1

Global phase error 3, 4

[degrees rms]

0.4 (0.2)

0.5 (0.3)

0.7 (0.4)

1.0 (0.6)

0.6 (0.3)

0.8 (0.4)

Error vector magnitude 6, 4 [% rms]

Low EVM mode

Low ACP mode

Global phase error 2

rms

pk

Deviation accuracy 2 [kHz, rms]

Channel spacing [kHz]

Adjacent channel power 2

(Low ACP mode, dBc)

[ACP]

at adjacent channel

7

at 1st alternate channel

7

at 2nd alternate channel

7

at 3rd alternate channel

7

NADC

1.2 (0.7)

(1.2)

Internal modulation using real-time TDMA personalities [Option 402] 2

PDC PHS TETRA 4 DECT GSM DCS,

PCS

EDGE

1.2 (0.7)

(0.9)

0.9 (0.5)

(0.6)

0.8 (0.5)

(1.0)

N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A

30

N/A

25

N/A

300

N/A

25

Cont. Burst Cont. Burst Cont. Burst Cont. Burst

(–35)

(–80)

(–84)

(–85)

(–34)

(–79)

(–83)

(–84)

–

(–74)

–

(–82)

–

(–74)

–

(–82)

–

(–81)

(–82)

–

–

(–76)

(–79)

–

(–70)

(–81)

(–82)

(–83)

(–63)

(–80)

(–82)

(–83)

N/A

2.5 (1.1)

1728

N/A

0.6 (0.3)

1.9 (1.0)

N/A

200

Cont. Burst

(–37)

(–71)

(–84)

(–85)

(–37)

(–70)

(–81)

(–81)

Support burst type Custom up/down TCH

Custom up/down TCH up Vox

Custom

TCH, sync

Custom up control 1 & 2 up normal, down normal

Yes

Custom dummy B 1 & 2 traffic B, low capacity

Custom, normal,

Fcorr, sync, dummy, access

Scramble burst type Yes

1. This level of performance can be attained using the external I/Q inputs, provided the quality of the baseband signal meets or exceeds that of the ESG baseband generator.


3. Specifications apply at power levels ≤ +4 dBm [≤ +5 dBm for Option 506, and ≤ +8 dBm for Option UNB] with default scale factor of I/Q outputs.

4. Valid after executing I/Q calibration and maintained within +/- 5 °C of the calibration temperature.

5. ACP for TETRA is measured over a 25 kHz bandwidth, with an 18 kHz root raised cosine filter. Low ACP mode is valid at power levels ≤ –1 dBm [≤ 1 dBm for Option 506 and ≤ +4 dBm for Option UNB].

6. Specifications apply for the symbol rates, filter, filter factors [a or BbT] and default scaling factor specified for each standard, and at power levels ≤ +7 dBm [≤ +10 dBm for Option UNB].

7. The “channel spacing” determines the offset size of the adjacent and alternate channels: Adjacent channel offset = 1 x channel spacing, 1st alternate channel = 2 x channel spacing, 2nd alternate channel = 3 x channel spacing, etc.

24

1.2 (0.6)

N/A

N/A

200

N/A


GSM/GPRS

[real-time mode]

[Option 402]

Multiframe output data generation

Coding scheme Full-rate speech [TCH/FS]

CS-1, CS-4

Data

Frame structure

PN9 or PN15

The selected data sequence is coded continuously across the RLC data block as per ETSI TS

100 909, 3GPP TS 05.03, V8.9.0, 2000-11 [release

1999] An independent version of the selected data sequence is coded across the MAC header.

26-frame multi-frame structure as per ETSI

GSM, 05.01 version 6.1.1 [1998-07].

[Coding is done on frames 0-11, 13-24, of the multi-frame. Frame 25 is idle [RF blanked].]

Adjacent timeslots

Data PN9, PN15 coded as per ETSI TS 100 909, 3GPP

TS 05.03, V8.9.0, 2000-11 [release 1999].

Frame structure 26-frame multi-frame structure as per ETSI GSM,

5.01 version 6.1.1 [1998-07].

Alternate time slot power level control

[Valid for standard attenuator only. Not applicable to Option UNB or Option 506]

Amplitude is settled within 0.5 dB in 20 µsecs, +4 to –136 dBm at 23 ±5 °C

25


EDGE/EGPRS

[real-time mode]

[Option 402]

Multiframe output data generation

Coding scheme MCS-1: uplink and downlink, MCS-5: uplink and downlink,

MCS-9: uplink and downlink, E-TCH/F43.2

Data

Frame structure

PN9 or PN15

The selected data sequence is fully coded continuously across the RLC data blocks according to MCS-1, MCS-5, MCS-9 or E-TCH/F43.2.

An independent version of the selected data sequence is coded across the unused RLC/MAC header fields [The CPS header field is as defined in GSM 04.60 V8.50].

52-frame multi-frame structure for EDGE/EGPRS channel as per ETSI TS 100 909, 3GPP TS 05.03,

V8.9.0, 2000-11 [release 1999]. [Coding is done on frames 0-11, 13-24, 26-37, 39-50 on a 52

PDCH multi-frame. Frame 25 and 51 are idle [RF blanked].]

Adjacent timeslots

Data Coded MCS-1, MCS-5 or MCS-9 with continuous

PN9 or PN15 sequence data payload.

Uncoded PN9, PN15.

Note: Maximum of 4 timeslots can be turned on with EDGE/EGPRS multi-frame coded data.

Frame structure EDGE/EGPRS PDCH multi-frame.

Repeating EDGE frame.

Bit error rate [BER] analyzer

[Option UN7]

Clock rate 100 Hz to 60 MHz

Supported data patterns PN9, 11, 15, 20, 23

Resolution

Bit sequence length

Features

10 Digits

100 bits to 4,294 Gbits after synchronization

Input clock phase adjustment and gate delay

Adjustable input threshold

Hi/lo threshold selectable from 0.7 V [TTL], 1.4 V [TTL]

1.65 V [CMOS 3.3], 2.5 V [CMOS 5.0]

Direct measurement triggering

Data and reference signal outputs

Real-time display

Bit count

Error-bit-count

Bit error rate

Pass/fail indication

Valid data and clock detection

Automatic re-synchronization

Special pattern ignore

26

General Characteristics

Operating characteristics

Power requirement

Operating temperature range 1

Storage temperature range

Shock and vibration

Storage registers

Weight

Dimensions

90 to 254 V; 50/60/400 Hz nominal;

200 W maximum

0 to 55 °C

–40 to 71 °C

Meets MIL-STD-28800E Type III, Class 3

Memory is shared by instrument states, user data files, non-volatile waveforms, sweep list files and waveform sequences. There is 14 MB of flash memory standard in the ESG. With

Option 005, there is 6 GB of storage. Depending on available memory, a maximum of 1000 instrument states can be saved.

< 16 kg [35 lb.] net, < 23 kg [50 lb.] shipping

133 mm H x 426 mm W x 432 mm D

[5.25 in H x 16.8 in W x 17 in D]

Remote programming

Interface

Control languages 2

GPIB [IEEE-488.2-1987] with listen and talk,

RS-232, LAN [10BaseT].

SCPI version 1996.0, also compatible with 8656B and 8657A/B/C/D/J1 mnemonics.

Functions controlled

ISO compliant

Reverse power protection 3

All front panel functions except power switch and knob.

The E4438C ESG is manufactured in an ISO-9001 registered facility in concurrence with Agilent

Technologies commitment to quality.

250 kHz to 2 GHz

> 2 to 4 GHz

> 4 to 6 GHz

Max DC voltage

Options 501-504

47 dBm (50 W)

44 dBm (25 W)

N/A

50 V

Option 506

30 dBm (1 W)

30 dBm (1 W)

30 dBm (1 W)

SWR 4

250 kHz to 2.2 GHz

> 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz

> 3 GHz to 4 GHz

> 4 GHz to 6 GHz

Output impedance

Options 501-504

(< 1.5:1)

(< 1.4:1)

(< 1.5:1)

N/A

50 Ω nominal

Options 501-504 with Option UNB

(< 1.5:1)

(< 1.5:1)

(< 1.7:1)

N/A

Option 506 with Option UNB

(< 1.6:1)

(< 1.4:1)

(< 1.7:1)

(< 1.8:1)

1. Save and recall of user files and instrument states from non-volatile storage is guaranteed only over the range 0 to 40 °C.

2. ESG series does not implement 8657A/B “Standby” or “On” [R0 or R1, respectively] mnemonics.

3. Options 501-504 are protected to levels indicated, however, the reverse power protection circuit will trip at nominally 30 dBm (1 W).


27


Accessories

Inputs and outputs

All front panel connectors can be moved to rear with Option 1EM.

Transits case Part number 9211-1296

10 MHz input

10 MHz output

Alternate power input

Baseband generator reference input

Burst gate input

Accepts a 1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz ±0.2 ppm [high-stability timebase] reference signal for operation with an external timebase. Nominal input level –3.5 to

+20 dBm, impedance 50 Ω. [BNC, rear panel]

Outputs the 10 MHz reference signal. Level nominally +3.9 dBm ±2 dB. Nominal output impedance 50 Ω. [BNC, rear panel]

Accepts CMOS 1 signal for synchronization of external data and alternate power signal timing.

The damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V. [Auxiliary

I/O connector, rear panel]

Accepts 0 to +20 dBm sinewave, or TTL squarewave, to use as reference clock for the baseband generator. Phase locks the internal data generator to the external reference; the RF frequency is still locked to the 10 MHz reference. Rate is

250 kHz to 100 MHz, 50 Ω nominal, AC coupled.

[BNC, rear panel] [SMB with Option 1EM]

The burst gate in connector accepts a CMOS 1 signal for gating burst power in digital modulation applications. The burst gating is used when you are externally supplying data and clock information. The input signal must be synchronized with the external data input that will be output during the burst. The burst power envelope and modulated data are internally delayed and re-synchronized. The input signal must be CMOS high for normal burst RF power or CW RF output power and CMOS low for RF off. The damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V.

This female BNC connector is provided on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to a rear panel SMB connector. With

Option 401, this connector is used for the even second synchronization input.

Coherent carrier output 2 Outputs RF modulated with FM or ΦM, but not

IQ, pulse or AM. Nominal power –2 dBm ±5 dB.

Nominal impedance 50 ohms. Frequency range from > 250 MHz to 4 GHz. For RF carriers below this range, output frequency = 1 GHz – frequency of RF output. Damage levels 20 VDC and 13 dBm reverse RF power. [SMA, rear panel]

1. Rear panel inputs and outputs are 3.3 V

CMOS, unless indicated otherwise. CMOS inputs will accept 5 V CMOS, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

2. Coherent carrier is modulated by FM or FM when enabled.

28


Data clock input

Data clock output

Data input

Data output

Event 1 output

Event 2 output

Event 3 output

Event 4 output

The CMOS1 compatible data clock connector accepts an externally supplied data-clock input for digital modulation applications. The expected input is a bit clock signal where the falling edge is used to clock the data and symbol sync signals.

The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are

–0.5 to +5.5 V.

This female BNC connector is provided on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to a rear panel SMB connector.

Relays a CMOS1 bit clock signal for synchronizing serial data.

[Auxiliary I/O connector, rear panel]

The CMOS 1 compatible data connector accepts an externally supplied data input for digital modulation applications. CMOS high is equivalent to a data 1 and a CMOS low is equivalent to a data 0.

The maximum data rate is 50 Mb/s. The data must be valid on the data clock falling edges [normal mode] or the symbol sync falling edges [symbol mode]. The damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V.

This female BNC connector is provided on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. On signal generators with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to a rear panel SMB connector.

Outputs serial data from the internal data generator or the externally supplied signal at the data input. CMOS 1 signal.


In real-time mode, outputs pattern or frame synchronization pulse for triggering or gating external equipment. May be set to start at the beginning of a pattern, frame, or timeslot and is adjustable to within ± one timeslot with one bit resolution.

In arbitrary waveform mode, this connector outputs the timing signal generated by marker 1. [BNC, rear panel] [SMB with

Option 1EM]

In real-time mode, outputs data enabled signal for gating external equipment. Applicable when external data is clocked into internally generated timeslots. Data is enabled when signal is low.

In arbitrary waveform mode, this connector outputs the timing signal generated by marker 2. [BNC, rear panel] [SMB with

Option 1EM]

In arbitrary waveform mode, this connector outputs the timing signal generated by marker 3. [Auxiliary I/O connector, rear panel]

In arbitrary waveform mode, this connector outputs the timing signal generated by marker 4. [Auxiliary I/O connector, rear panel]

1. Rear panel inputs and outputs are 3.3 V CMOS, unless indicated otherwise.

CMOS inputs will accept 5 V CMOS, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

29


External 1 input

External 2 input

GPIB

I input

I out and Q out 1

This BNC input connector accepts a ±1 V peak

signal for AM,

FM, pulse, burst, and phase modulation. For all these modulations, ±1 V peak

produces the indicated deviation or depth.

When ac-coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or phase modulation and the peak input voltage differs from 1 V peak

by more than 3%, the hi/lo annunciator light on the display. The input impedance is 50 Ω and the damage levels are 5 V

10 V peak

.

rms

and

If you configure your signal generator with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to a female SMB connector on the rear panel.

This BNC input connector accepts a ±1 V peak

signal for AM,

FM, phase modulation, and pulse modulation. With AM, FM, or phase modulation, ±1 V peak

produces the indicated deviation or depth. With pulse modulation, +1 V is on and 0 V is off.

When ac-coupled inputs are selected for AM, FM, or phase modulation, and the peak voltage differs from 1 V peak

by more than 3%, the hi/lo annunciator light on the display. The input impedance is 50 Ω and the damage levels are 5 V

10 V peak

.

rms

and

If you configure your signal generator with Option 1EM, this input is relocated to a female SMB connector on the rear panel.

Allows communication with compatible devices. [rear panel]

Accepts an I input either for I/Q modulation or for wideband

AM. Nominal input impedance 50 or 600 Ω. Damage levels are

1 V rms

and 10 V peak

. [BNC, front panel] [SMB with Option 1EM]

The I out and Q out connectors output the analog components of I/Q modulation from the internal baseband generator. The nominal output impedance of these connectors are 50 Ω,

DC-coupled. The damage levels are > +3.5 V and < –3.5 V.

The output signal levels into a 50 Ω load are as follows:

• (O.5 V peak

,), corresponds to one unit length of the I/Q vector.

• (0.7 V peak

), for peaks for p/4 DQPSK.

• (1.6 V p-p

) maximum [Options 601, 602, 001, 002 only].

These female BNC connectors are provided on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. On signal generators with

Option 1EM, these inputs are relocated to rear panel SMB connectors.


30


I and Q out

LF output

Pattern trigger input

Q input

RF output

Sweep output

Symbol sync input

Symbol sync output

Trigger input

Trigger output

I and Q are used in conjunction with I and Q to provide a balanced baseband stimulus. Balanced signals are signals present in two separate conductors that are symmetrical about the common mode offset, and are opposite in polarity [180 degrees out of phase].

These female BNC connectors are provided only on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. If you configure your signal generator with Option 1EM, these inputs are relocated to rear panel SMB connectors.

Outputs the internally-generated LF source. Outputs 0 to 2.5

V peak

into 50 Ω, or 0 to 5 Vpeak into high impedance. [BNC, front panel] [SMB with Option 1EM]

Accepts CMOS 1 signal to trigger internal pattern or frame generator to start single pattern output. Minimum pulse width

100 ns. The damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V.


Accepts a Q input for I/Q modulation. Nominal input impedance 50 or 600 ohms, damage levels are 1 V

[BNC, front panel] [SMB with Option 1EM] rms

and 10 V peak

.

Nominal output impedance 50 Ω.

[type-N female, front panel]

Generates output voltage, 0 to +10 V when signal generator is sweeping. Output impedance < 1 Ω, can drive 2000 Ω.


The CMOS 1 compatible symbol sync connector accepts an externally supplied symbol sync for digital modulation applications. The expected input is a symbol clock signal. It may be used in two modes. When used as a symbol sync in conjunction with a data clock, the signal must be high during the first data bit of the symbol. The signal must be valid during the falling edge of the data clock signal and may be a single pulse or continuous. When the symbol sync itself is used as the [symbol] clock, the falling edge is used to clock the data signal.

The maximum clock rate is 50 MHz. The damage levels are

–0.5 to +5.5 V. [BNC, front panel]

This female BNC connector is provided on signal generators with Option 601 or 602. On signal generators with Option

1EM, this input is relocated to a rear panel SMB connector.

Outputs CMOS 1 symbol clock for symbol synchronization, one data clock period wide. [Auxiliary I/O connector, rear panel]

Accepts CMOS 1 signal for triggering point-to-point in manual sweep mode, or to trigger start of LF sweep. the damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V. [BNC, rear panel]

Outputs a TTL signal: high at start of dwell, or when waiting for point trigger in manual sweep mode; low when dwell is over or point trigger is received, high or low 2 µs pulse at start of LF sweep. [BNC, rear panel]

1. Rear panel inputs and outputs are 3.3 V CMOS, unless indicated otherwise. CMOS inputs will accept

5 V CMOS, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

31


With Option UN7

BER data, BER clock

BER gate

Accepts CMOS 1 or 75 Ω input. Polarity is selected.

Clock duty and inputs cycle is 30% to 70%. [SMB, rear panel]

BER sync loss output

BER no data output

BER error-bit-output

BER test result output

BER measure end output

Outputs a CMOS 1 signal that is low when sync is lost. Valid only when measure end signal is high.


Outputs a CMOS 1 signal that is low when no data is detected. Valid only when measure end is high.


Outputs CMOS 1 signal when error bit is detected. Pulse width matches the input clock.


Outputs a CMOS 1 signal that is high for fail and low for pass.

Valid only on measure end signal falling edge.


Outputs a CMOS 1 signal that is high during measurement.

Trigger events are ignored while high.


BER measure trigger Accepts CMOS 1 signal to initiate BER measurement. Polarity is selectable; available when trigger source is selected as

“AUX I/O”. Damage levels are The damage levels are –0.5 to

+5.5 V. [Auxiliary I/O connector, rear panel]

With Option 300

321.4 MHz input Accepts a 321.4 MHz IF signal for GSM/EDGE/loopback testing. Input amplitude range -7 dBm to -22 dBm. Nominal input impedance 50 Ω. [SMB, rear panel]

LAN connector

LAN communication is supported by the signal generator via the LAN connector. It is functionally equivalent to the GPIB connector. The LAN connector enables the signal generator to be remotely programmed by a LAN-connected computer. The distance between a computer and the signal generator is limited to 100 meters [10BaseT]. For more information about the LAN, refer to the

Getting Started chapter in the Programming Guide.

Data transfer speeds 2

LAN [FTP] file transfer to volatile memory to hard drive

(700 KB/sec)

(500 KB/sec)

LAN [SCPI] command transfer to volatile memory to hard drive

Internal file transfer from hard drive to volatile memory

(146 KB/sec)

(128 KB/sec)

(1280 KB/sec)

Agilent’s IO Libraries Suite ships with the E4438C to help you quickly establish an error-free connection between your PC and instruments – regardless of the vendor. It provides robust instrument control and works with the software development environment you choose.

1. Rear panel inputs and outputs are 3.3 V CMOS, unless indicated otherwise.

CMOS inputs will accept 5 V CMOS, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.


32


RS-232 connector

This male DB-9 connector is an RS-232 serial port that can be used for controlling the signal generator remotely. It is functionally equivalent to the GPIB connector. The following table shows the description of the pinouts. The pin configuration is shown below.

4

5

6

7

Pin number

1

2

3

8

9

Signal description

No connection

Receive data

Transmit data

+5 V

Ground, 0 V

No connection

Request to send

Clear to send

No connection

Signal name

RECV

XMIT

RTS

CTS

5

9

4

8

3

7

2

6

1

View looking into rear panel connector

Auxiliary I/O connector

This male DB-9 connector is an RS-232 serial port that can be used for controlling the signal generator remotely. It is functionally equivalent to the GPIB connector. The following table shows the description of the pinouts. The pin configuration is shown below.

37

19

GND

GND

GND

GND

Parallel data 2*

Parallel data 3*

Parallel data 4*

Parallel data 5*

Parallel data 6*

Parallel data 7*

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

BER meas trig/BER no data

BER err out

BER test out

Event 3

Event 4

Patt trig in 2

Alt pwr in

Parallel data 1*

GND

GND

GND

GND

GND

Parallel data 8*

Parallel data clk*

Data out

Data clk out

Sym sync out

BER sync loss

GND (BER)

GND (BER)

BER meas end

Mating connector

*Future capability

View looking into rear panel connector

20

1

37 pin male D-subminiature, available from AMP, 3M, others.

33

Ordering Information

1

Performance enhancement options

System accessories

Embedded signal creation software

3, 4

PC-based signal creation software

3, 4

Baseband products

5

• 501

• 502

• 503

• 504

• 506

• UNB

1 GHz frequency range




6 GHz frequency range [requires option UNJ, includes mechanical attenuator]

• UNJ

• 1E5

• 1EM

• 003 2

• 004 2

• 601

• 602

High output power with mechanical attenuator [optional with 501, 502, 503, 504]

[included with 506]

Enhanced phase noise performance [includes 1E5]

High-stability time base

Moves all front panel connectors to rear

Enables ESG digital outputs with N5102A

Enables ESG digital inputs with N5102A

Internal baseband generator with 8 MSa and digital bus capability [40 MB] of memory

Internal baseband generator with 64 MSa and digital bus capability [320 MB] of memory

• 005 3

• UN7

• 1CP

6 GB internal hard drive

Internal bit-error-rate analyzer

Rack mount kit with handles

• 1CN Front handle kit

• E4438C-400 3GPP W-CDMA with HSDPA

• E4438C-401 cdma2000 and IS-95A

• E4438C-402 TDMA (GSM, GPRS, EDGE, EGPRS, DADC, PCD, PHS, TETRA, DECT)

• E4438C-403 calibrated noise

• E4438C-409 GPS

• E4438C-422 scenario generator for GPS

• E4438C-221 to 229 waveform license 5-packs

• E4438C-250 to 259 waveform license 50-packs

• E4438C-407 Signal Studio for S-DMB

• E4438C-419 Signal Studio for 3GPP W-CDMA HSPA

• E4438C-SP1 Signal Studio for Jitter Injection

• N7600B Signal Studio for 3GPP W-CDMA FDD

• N7601B Signal Studio for 3GPP2 CDMA

• N7602B Signal Studio for GSM/EDGE

• N7606B Signal Studio for Bluetooth ™

• N7611B Signal Studio for Broadcast Radio

• N7612B Signal Studio for TD-SCDMA

• N7613A Signal Studio for 802.16-2004 (WiMAX ™ )

• N7615B Signal Studio for 802.16 WiMAX

• N7616B Signal Studio for T-DMB

• N7617B Signal Studio for 802.11 WLAN

• N7620A Signal Studio for Pulse Building

• N7621B Signal Studio for Multitone Distortion

• N7622A Signal Studio Toolkit

• N7623B Signal Studio for Digital Video

• N7624B Signal Studio for 3GPP LTE

• N7625B Signal Studio for 3GPP LTE TDD

• N5102A digital signal interface module

• N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulator

1. All options should be ordered using E4438C-xxx, where the xxx represents the option number. For more information, please refer to the configuration guide publication number 5988-4085EN.

2. Requires either Option 601 or 602 (baseband generator) to function.

3. Requires Option 001, 002, 601, or 602.

4. For the latest information visit www.agilent.com/find/signalstudio.

5. For details visit www.agilent.com/find/basebandstudio and www.agilent.com/find/PXB.

34

Related Literature

Application literature

Product literature

• 3GPP Long Term Evolution: System Overview, Product Development and Test

Challenges, literature number 5989-8139EN, May 2008.

• BER and Subjective Evaluation for DVB-T/H Receiver Test, literature number 5989-8446EN, May 2008.

• Typical GPS Receiver Verification Tests Using a GPS Signal Simulator, literature number 5989-8572EN, May 2008.

• Designing and Testing 3GPP W-CDMA Base Transceiver Stations,

Application Note 1355, literature number 5980-1239E, March 2006.

• MIMO Channel Modeling and Emulation Test Challenges, literature number 5989-8973EN, October 2008.

• RF Source Basics, a self-paced tutorial (CD-ROM), literature number 5980-2060E, October 2000.

• Digital Modulation in Communications Systems—An Introduction,

Application Note 1298, literature number 5965-7160E, October 2000.

• Using Vector Modulation Analysis in the Integration, Troubleshooting and Design of Digital Communications Systems, Product Note, literature number 5091-8687E,

March 2001.

• Testing CDMA Base Station Amplifiers, Application Note 1307, literature number 5967-5486E May 2000.

• Understanding GSM/EDGE Transmitter and Receiver Measurements for Base

Transceiver Stations and Their Components, Application Note 1312, literature number 5968-2320E August 2002.

• Understanding CDMA Measurements for Base Stations and their Components,

Application Note 1311, literature number 5968-0953E, June 2000.

• Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF Communications Receiver Designs,

Application Note 1314, literature number 5968-3579E, March 2002.

Additional application literature may be found by going to

www.agilent.com/find/signalstudio and selecting the "Library" tab.

• E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator, Brochure, literature number 5988-3935EN.

• E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator, Configuration Guide, literature number 5988-4085EN.

• Agilent MXG Signal Generator, Brochure, literature number 5989-5074EN.

• Agilent MXG Signal Generator, Configuration Guide, literature number 5989-5485EN.

• Agilent N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator, Data Sheet, literature number 5989-5261EN.

• Agilent N5106A PXB MIMO Receiver Tester, Data Sheet, literature number 5989-8971EN.

• Agilent N5106A PXB MIMO Receiver Tester, Configuration Guide, literature number 5989-8972EN.

35

www.agilent.com

www.agilent.com/find/esg

www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates

Get the latest information on the products and applications you select. www.lxistandard.org

LAN eXtensions for Instruments puts the power of Ethernet and the Web inside your test systems. Agilent is a founding member of the LXI consortium.

Agilent Channel Partners

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Get the best of both worlds: Agilent’s measurement expertise and product breadth, combined with channel partner convenience.

Agilent Advantage Services is committed to your success throughout your equipment’s lifetime. To keep you competitive, we continually invest in tools and processes that speed up calibration and repair and reduce your cost of ownership.

You can also use Infoline Web Services to manage equipment and services more effectively. By sharing our measurement and service expertise, we help you create the products that change our world.

www.agilent.com/find/advantageservices www.agilent.com/quality cdma2000 is a registered certification mark of the Telecommunications Industry

Association. Used under license.

Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth

SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed to

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

WiMAX, Mobile WiMAX, and

WiMAX Forum are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum.

For more information on Agilent

Technologies’ products, applications or services, please contact your local Agilent office. The complete list is available at: www.agilent.com/find/contactus

Americas

Canada

Brazil

(877) 894 4414

Mexico 01800 5064 800

United States

(11) 4197 3600

(800) 829 4444

Asia Pacific

Australia

China

Hong Kong

India

Japan

Korea

Malaysia

Singapore

Taiwan

1 800 629 485

800 810 0189

800 938 693

1 800 112 929

0120 (421) 345

080 769 0800

1 800 888 848

1 800 375 8100

0800 047 866

Other AP Countries (65) 375 8100

Europe & Middle East

Belgium

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Finland

France

32 (0) 2 404 93 40

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Germany

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358 (0) 10 855 2100

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For other unlisted countries: www.agilent.com/find/contactus

Revised: January 6, 2012

Product specifications and descriptions in this document subject to change without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2012

Published in USA, May 21, 2012

5988-4039EN

Agilent Technologies | User manual | Agilent E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator

Migrate to the new Agilent MXG X-Series signal generator and generate true performance

Agilent E4438C ESG

Vector Signal Generator

Data Sheet

E4438C ESG vector signal generator

Definitions

Key Features

Key standard features

Optional features

Frequency

Sweep modes

Internal reference oscillator

Output power

Spectral purity

Frequency bands

Frequency modulation

Phase modulation

Amplitude modulation

[fc > 500 kHz]

Wideband AM

Pulse modulation

Internal modulation source

External modulation inputs

External burst envelope

Composite modulation

Simultaneous modulation

I/Q modulation bandwidth

I/Q adjustments

Baseband generator

[arbitrary waveform mode]

[Option 601 or 602]

Baseband generator

[real-time mode]

[Option 601 or 602]

3GPP W-CDMA

[arbitrary waveform mode

]

[Option 400]

IS-95 CDMA

[arbitrary waveform mode

]

[Option 401]

cdma2000

[arbitrary waveform mode]

[Option 401]

AWGN

[real-time mode]

[Option 403]

AWGN

[arbitrary waveform mode]

[Option 403]

Custom modulation

[real-time mode]

GSM/GPRS

[real-time mode]

[Option 402]

EDGE/EGPRS

[real-time mode]

[Option 402]

Bit error rate [BER] analyzer

[Option UN7]

Operating characteristics

Accessories

Inputs and outputs

Performance enhancement options

System accessories

Embedded signal creation software

PC-based signal creation software

Baseband products

Application literature

Product literature

www.agilent.com

www.agilent.com/find/esg

Agilent Channel Partners

Related manuals

E4438C

Table of contents