Keysight Agilent E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator with 250 kHz to 6 GHz Frequency Range and I/Q Modulation

The Keysight Agilent E4438C ESG is a high-performance vector signal generator designed for demanding R&D and manufacturing test applications. Covering 250 kHz to 6 GHz with excellent spectral purity and modulation accuracy, the E4438C combines an internal baseband generator with up to 80 MHz bandwidth, multi-format modulation capabilities, and industry-leading phase noise performance for complex wireless signal simulation.

• Wide Frequency Coverage: 250 kHz to 6 GHz covering all major wireless bands including cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth, and IoT frequencies for comprehensive receiver and component testing.
• Exceptional Phase Noise: -133 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset (typ., 1 GHz carrier), enabling accurate adjacent channel selectivity and receiver blocking measurements.
• High Output Power: -136 dBm to +17 dBm with electronic attenuator providing precise level control across the full dynamic range.
• Vector Modulation: Integrated I/Q modulator with up to 80 MHz internal baseband bandwidth supporting complex digitally modulated signals for modern wireless standards.
• Multi-Format Modulation: Built-in AM, FM, PM, and Pulse modulation plus I/Q vector modulation for versatile signal generation scenarios.
• Excellent Spectral Purity: Harmonics ≤ -30 dBc (typ.) and non-harmonics ≤ -72 dBc (typ.) for clean, interference-free signal generation.

• Internal Baseband Generator: Up to 80 MHz modulation bandwidth with 64 MSa arbitrary waveform memory supporting WCDMA, cdma2000, EDGE, GSM, WLAN, and custom waveform playback.
• Real-Time and Arbitrary Waveform Modes: Generate continuous standard-compliant test signals or upload custom waveforms for proprietary modulation schemes and stress testing.
• Frequency and Power Sweep: Configurable sweep modes for automated frequency response, gain compression, and dynamic range characterization.
• Fast Frequency Switching: ≤ 1.6 ms (typ.) switching speed ideal for high-throughput automated production test environments.

• Wireless communication receiver testing (cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IoT)
• RF component characterization (amplifiers, filters, mixers, LNAs)
• EMC immunity and conducted susceptibility testing
• Production test for wireless devices, modules, and base stations
• Education and university RF communications teaching laboratories
• Aerospace and defense radar and electronic warfare signal simulation

The E4438C belongs to the widely deployed ESG (Electronic Signal Generator) family, trusted by RF engineers worldwide for its reliability, measurement accuracy, and ease of use. With its intuitive front-panel interface, comprehensive SCPI command set, and proven hardware design, the ESG series integrates seamlessly into both manual benchtop and fully automated test systems.

• GPIB (IEEE 488.2) for integration into automated test systems with full SCPI programming support
• LAN (10/100 Base-T) for network-based remote control and firmware updates
• RS-232 serial interface for simple remote control applications
• Compatible with Keysight VEE, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Signal Studio software for waveform creation