# Agilent E4420A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 2000 MHz (Pre-Owned) # Agilent E4420A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 2000 MHz (Pre-Owned) ## Key Features At A Glance - Frequency range 250 kHz to 2000 MHz with 0.01 Hz resolution - Output level up to +13 dBm (250 kHz–1000 MHz), down to –136 dBm, 0.02 dB resolution - FM, phase, AM, and pulse modulation with internal source and two external modulation inputs - HP-IB (IEEE-488.2) and RS-232 interfaces with SCPI for automated test systems - SSB phase noise <–120 dBc/Hz at 500 MHz (typical, 20 kHz offset) - Optional high-stability timebase (Option 1E5): <±0.1 ppm/yr aging - Internal source generates sine, square, ramp, triangle, pulse, and noise waveforms The Agilent E4420A is an analog RF signal generator covering 250 kHz to 2000 MHz with 0.01 Hz frequency resolution. It produces CW and modulated signals across this span, with an output level extending from +13 dBm down to –136 dBm at lower frequencies and switching speeds of typically <35 ms with modulation off. An analog RF signal generator supplies a known, controllable radio-frequency stimulus — a carrier that can be set precisely in frequency and amplitude and then modulated — so an engineer can drive a device under test and measure its response. It is a foundational stimulus instrument on an RF or communications bench. ValueTronics stocks and holds its own test-and-measurement inventory in a 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships, while new units leave factory-sealed exactly as received — so buyers get instruments backed by hands-on verification on the pre-owned side and untouched factory packaging on the new side. ## Brand Heritage The test-and-measurement business behind this instrument originated at Hewlett-Packard, which spun out its measurement operations as Agilent Technologies in 1999. Agilent later transferred its electronic test-and-measurement business to Keysight Technologies in 2014. ## Product Core & Specifications Specification Value Frequency Frequency Range 250 kHz to 2000 MHz Resolution 0.01 Hz Switching Speed, Modulation On <45 ms, typical Switching Speed, Modulation Off <35 ms, typical Accuracy Same as timebase Sweep Modes Operating modes Step: frequency & power, and arbitrary list Dwell Time 2 ms to 60 sec Number of Points 2 to 401 Internal Reference Oscillator Aging Rate (Standard, typical) <±2 ppm/yr Aging Rate (High Stability, Opt 1E5) <±0.1 ppm/yr or <±0.0005 ppm/day after 45 days Temperature (Standard) <±1 ppm Temperature (High Stability) <±0.05 ppm, typical (0° to 55° C) Line Voltage (Standard) <±0.1 ppm (+5%, -10%) Line Voltage (High Stability) <±0.002 ppm, typical (+5%, -10%) Timebase Reference Output Frequency 10 MHz Amplitude \>0.35 Vrms into 50 ohm load External Reference Input Frequency 1, 2, 5, 10 MHz ± typ. 10 ppm (Option 1E5: 1 ppm, typical) Amplitude \>0.15 Vrms Input Impedance 50 ohm Output Range, 250 kHz to 1000 MHz +13 to -136 dBm Range, >1000 MHz to 2000 MHz +10 to -136 dBm Resolution 0.02 dB Level Accuracy (at 23 ±5°C), +7 to -127 dBm, 250 kHz to 2 GHz ±0.5 dB Level Accuracy (at 23 ±5°C), <-127 dBm ±1.5 dB Attenuator Hold Level Range \>17 dB Switching Speed <25 ms typical Switching Speed, With Power Search Mode <210 ms typical Reverse Power Protection, 250 kHz to 2000 MHz 50 Watts; Max DC Voltage: 50 V SWR (typical), 250 kHz to 2000 MHz <1.4:1 Output Impedance 50 ohms Note Accuracy degrades by 0.02 dB/°C over full temperature range and by 0.3 dB above +7 dBm Frequency Bands Band 1 250 kHz to <=249.999 MHz (N# 1) Band 2 \>249.999 to <=500 MHz (N# 0.5) Band 3 \>500 MHz to <=1 GHz (N# 1) Band 4 \>1 to <=2 GHz (N# 2) Spectral Purity SSB Phase Noise (typical, at 20 kHz offset) at 500 MHz <-120 dBc/Hz SSB Phase Noise at 1000 MHz <-116 dBc/Hz SSB Phase Noise at 2000 MHz <-110 dBc/Hz Residual FM (CW mode, 0.3-3 kHz BW, CCITT, rms), Phase Noise Mode 1 Residual FM, Phase Noise Mode 2 Harmonics (<=+4 dBm output level) <-30 dBc Nonharmonics (>3 kHz offset, <+7 dBm output level), 250 kHz to 1000 MHz <-65 dBc Nonharmonics, >1000 MHz to 2000 MHz <-59 dBc Subharmonics, <=1000 MHz None Subharmonics, >1000 MHz <-40 dBc Frequency Modulation Maximum Deviation N x 10 MHz Resolution 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, whichever is greater Deviation Accuracy (1 kHz rate, dev. <±(3.5% of FM deviation + 20 Hz) Modulation Frequency Response, FM1, 1 dB Bandwidth dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz Modulation Frequency Response, FM1, 3 dB Bandwidth, typical dc/5 Hz to 10 MHz Modulation Frequency Response, FM2, 1 dB Bandwidth dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz Modulation Frequency Response, FM2, 3 dB Bandwidth, typical dc/5 Hz to 1 MHz Distortion (1 kHz rate, THD, dev. = N x 100 kHz) <1% Phase Modulation Maximum Deviation N x 90 radians Resolution 0.1% of set deviation Deviation Accuracy (1 kHz rate) <±(5% of deviation + 0.01 radians) Modulation Frequency Response, Normal BW (N x 90 rad), PM1 dc to 100 kHz Modulation Frequency Response, Normal BW (N x 90 rad), PM2 dc to 100 kHz High BW (N x 2pi rad), PM1 dc to 1.5 MHz (typ) High BW (N x 2pi rad), PM2 dc to 1 MHz (typ) High BW (N x pi/2 rad), PM1 dc to 4 MHz (typ) High BW (N x pi/2 rad), PM2 dc to 0.9 MHz (typ) Distortion (1 kHz rate, THD, dev <1% Amplitude Modulation (fc>500 kHz) Range (envelope peak <=max specified power) 0 to 100% Resolution 0.1% Rates (3 dB Bandwidth) dc/10 Hz to 10 kHz Distortion (1 kHz rate, THD), 30% AM <1.5% Distortion, 90% AM <4% Accuracy (1 kHz rate) <±(5% of setting + 1%) Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio, <=3 GHz \>80 dB On/Off Ratio, >3 GHz \>60 dB Rise/Fall Times 150 ns, typical Minimum Width (typical), ALC On 2 µs Minimum Width (typical), ALC Off 0.4 µs Pulse Repetition Frequency (typical), ALC On 10 Hz to 250 kHz Pulse Repetition Frequency (typical), ALC Off DC to 1.0 MHz Level Accuracy (relative to CW) ±0.5 dB, typical Internal Pulse Generator (Squarewave only) Squarewave Rate 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz Pulse Period 16 µs to 30 seconds Width 8 µs to 30 seconds Resolution 4 µs Internal Modulation Source Provides FM, PM, and AM Modulation Signals and LF Out Waveforms sine, square, ramp, triangle, pulse, noise Rate Range, Sine 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz Rate Range, Square, Ramp, Triangle 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz Resolution 0.1 Hz Frequency Accuracy 0.005% Swept Sine Mode (Frequency, Phase Continuous) Operating Modes Triggered or Continuous Sweeps Frequency Range 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz Sweep Time 1 ms to 65 seconds Resolution 1 ms Dual Sinewave Mode Frequency Range 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz > **Important:** Reverse power protection: 50 watts maximum; maximum DC voltage 50 V. ## About this Pre-Owned unit This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects. - Warranty included - Functional verification included - Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data. - Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm). ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application. **Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.** ## Details - **Price:** 0.0 USD - 560.0 USD - **Vendor:** Agilent - **Type:** Rf Gen - **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Signal Generators ## Variants | Variant | Price | Available | |---------|-------|-----------| | None | 0.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable | 455.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable with Full Data | 490.00 USD | In stock | | ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 560.00 USD | In stock | ## Images - Agilent E4420A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 2000 MHz (Pre-Owned) --- > Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/e4420a-agilent-rf-generator-used) > Updated: 2026-07-06