# Agilent E4421A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 3000 MHz (Pre-Owned)

# Agilent E4421A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 3000 MHz (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Frequency range 250 kHz to 3000 MHz with 0.01 Hz resolution
-   Output level +13 to -136 dBm to 1000 MHz, with 0.02 dB resolution
-   AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation from internal and external sources
-   SSB phase noise typically <-120 dBc/Hz at 500 MHz (20 kHz offset)
-   HP-IB (IEEE-488.2) and RS-232 interfaces with SCPI 1992.0 for automation
-   Optional high-stability timebase (Opt 1E5) rated <±0.1 ppm/yr aging
-   Reverse power protection to 50 W with 50 V maximum DC at the output
-   Internal source provides sine, square, ramp, triangle, pulse, and noise

The Agilent E4421A is an analog RF signal generator that delivers a continuous-wave and modulated output across a frequency range of 250 kHz to 3000 MHz, tunable with 0.01 Hz resolution. It produces a calibrated output level from +13 dBm down to -136 dBm up to 1000 MHz (and +10 dBm at higher frequencies) with 0.02 dB setting resolution into a 50 ohm output, making it a programmable source of RF stimulus from low frequencies into the low-microwave region.

A signal generator supplies the known, controllable input that a device or measurement under test requires — a stable carrier that can be set precisely in frequency and amplitude and, when needed, modulated. The E4421A supports amplitude, frequency, phase, and pulse modulation, with modulating signals drawn from an internal source, from two external inputs, or from a combination of sources, giving the operator a single instrument to generate both the carrier and its modulation.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own test-and-measurement inventory in a 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, so the instruments listed here are equipment we keep on hand. Pre-owned units are inspected and functionally verified in-house against the original manufacturer's specifications before shipment, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer.

## Brand Heritage

This instrument carries Agilent Technologies branding. Agilent was formed in 1999 when Hewlett-Packard spun out its test-and-measurement business under the Agilent name, and in 2014 that business was established as Keysight Technologies. Instruments from this lineage are therefore encountered under all three corporate names.

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Frequency

Frequency Range (Agilent ESG-3000A)

250 kHz to 3000 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 3000 MHz)

+10 to -136 dBm

Resolution

0.02 dB

Level Accuracy (+7 to -127 dBm, 250 kHz to 2 GHz, at 23±5°C)

±0.5 dB

Level Accuracy (+7 to -127 dBm, 2 GHz to 3 GHz, at 23±5°C)

±0.9 dB

Level Accuracy (<-127 dBm, 250 kHz to 2 GHz)

±1.5 dB

Level Accuracy (<-127 dBm, 2 GHz to 3 GHz)

±2.5 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

Reverse Power Protection (>2000 MHz to 3000 MHz)

25 Watts

Max DC Voltage

50 V

SWR (typical, 250 kHz to 2000 MHz)

<1.4:1

SWR (typical, >2000 to 3000 MHz)

<1.9:1

Output Impedance

50 ohms

Spectral Purity

SSB Phase Noise (typical, 20 kHz offset, 500 MHz)

<-120 dBc/Hz

SSB Phase Noise (1000 MHz)

<-116 dBc/Hz

SSB Phase Noise (2000 MHz)

<-110 dBc/Hz

SSB Phase Noise (3000 MHz)

<-104 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

Nonharmonics (>2000 MHz)

<-53 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)

FM1 (deviation = 100 kHz)

1 dB Bandwidth: dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz; 3 dB Bandwidth, typical: dc/5 Hz to 10 MHz

FM2 (deviation = 100 kHz)

1 dB Bandwidth: dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz; 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)

PM1 Normal BW

N x 90 rad, dc to 100 kHz

PM2 Normal BW

N x 90 rad, dc to 100 kHz

PM1 High BW

N x 2 pi rad, dc to 1.5 MHz (typ); N x pi/2 rad, dc to 4 MHz (typ)

PM2 High BW

N x 2 pi rad, dc to 1 MHz (typ); N x pi/2 rad, 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 (1 kHz rate, THD, 90% AM)

<4%

Accuracy (1 kHz rate)

<±(5% of setting + 1%)

Pulse Modulation

On/Off Ratio (≤3 GHz)

\>80 dB

Rise/Fall Times

150 ns, typical

Minimum Width (ALC On)

2 µs

Minimum Width (ALC Off)

0.4 µs

Pulse Repetition Frequency (ALC On)

10 Hz to 250 kHz

Pulse Repetition Frequency (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

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

Swept Sine Frequency Range

0.1 Hz to 50 kHz

Swept Sine Sweep Time

1 ms to 65 seconds

Swept Sine Resolution

1 ms

Dual Sinewave Mode Frequency Range

0.1 Hz to 50 kHz

> **Important:** Reverse power protection: 50 W from 250 kHz to 2000 MHz and 25 W from above 2000 MHz to 3000 MHz, with a maximum DC voltage of 50 V at the output.

> **Important:** Level accuracy degrades by 0.02 dB/°C over the full temperature range and by 0.3 dB above +7 dBm.

> **Important:** Simultaneous modulation: all modulation types may be enabled simultaneously except FM with PM, and AM with Burst envelope; AM, FM, and PM can sum simultaneous inputs from any two sources (INT, EXT1, EXT2), and any given source may be routed to only one activated modulation type.

## 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 E4421A Analog RF Signal Generator, 250 kHz to 3000 MHz (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/e4421a-agilent-rf-generator-used)
> Updated: 2026-07-06