Agilent Technologies E4438C ESG User manual

Installation Guide
Agilent Technologies
E4428C/38C ESG Signal Generators
This guide applies to the following signal generator models:
E4428C ESG Analog Signal Generator
E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator
Due to our continuing efforts to improve our products through firmware and hardware revisions, signal
generator design and operation may vary from descriptions in this guide. We recommend that you use the
latest revision of this guide to ensure you have up-to-date product information. Compare the print date of
this guide (see bottom of page) with the latest revision, which can be downloaded from the following
website:
NOTICE: This document contains references to Agilent Technologies. Agilent’s former
Test and Measurement business has become Keysight Technologies. For more
information, go to www.keysight.com.
Manufacturing Part Number: E4400-90502
Printed in USA
June 2015
©Copyright 2001−2015 Keysight Technologies, Inc.

ii
Notice
The material contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied with regard to this manual and to any of the Agilent products to which it pertains, including but
not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not
be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or any of the Agilent products to which it pertains. Should Agilent have a
written contract with the User and should any of the contract terms conflict with these terms, the contract
terms shall control.

Contents
iii
1. Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Instrument Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Checking the Shipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Line Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Connecting the AC Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Configuring the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Adjusting Contrast and Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Setting Inverse Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Configuring the Screen Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Updating the Display During Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Configuring for Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
GPIB Interface Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
LAN Interface Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
RS-232 Interface Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ordering Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Front Handles and Rack Mount Flanges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
ESG Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Proper Usage and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Cleaning Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Contacting Agilent Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
3. Operation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Operation Verification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Power On the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Check for Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Connect the Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Configure the Signal Generator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Configure the Frequency Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Contents
iv
Measure the Frequency Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Power Level Accuracy Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Connect the Test Equipment for Setup 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configure the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Configure the Power Meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Measure the Power Level Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connect the Test Equipment for Setup 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configure the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configure the Spectrum Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Measure the Power Level Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Calculate the Actual Power Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
FM Accuracy Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connect the Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Configure the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Configure the Measuring Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Measure the Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
AM Accuracy Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Connect the Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Configure the Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Configure the Measuring Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Measure the Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
I/Q Modulation Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Option UN7 (BERT) Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Verification Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Test Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4. Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Statement of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Compliance with German Noise Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Regulatory Information (misc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

v
Documentation Overview
Installation Guide •Safety Information
•Getting Started
•Operation Verification
•Regulatory Information
User’s Guide •E4428C Analog Signal Generator Overview
•E4423C Analog Signal Generator Overview
•Basic Operation
•Basic Digital Operation
•AWGN Waveform Generator
•Analog Modulation
•Digital Signal Interface Module
•Bluetooth Signals
•BERT
•CDMA Digital Modulation
•GPS Modulation
•Multitone Waveform Generator
•Custom Digital Modulation
•Real Time TDMA Formats
•W-CDMA Digital Modulation for Component Test
•W-CDMA Uplink Digital Modulation for Receiver Test
•W-CDMA Downlink Digital Modulation for Receiver Test
•Troubleshooting
Programming Guide •Getting Started with Remote Operation
•Using IO Interfaces
•Programming Examples
•Programming the Status Register System
•Creating and Downloading Waveform Files
•Creating and Downloading User-Data Files

vi
SCPI Reference Volume 1:
•SCPI Basics
•Basic Function Commands
•System Commands
•Analog Commands
•Component Test Digital Commands
Volume 2:
•Digital Signal Interface Module Commands
•Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) Commands
•Receiver Test Digital Commands
Volume 3:
•Receiver Test Digital Commands (continued)
Compatibility with
E44xxB SCPI Commands •Overview
•E4428C/38C SCPI Commands
•ESG E44xxB Commands
•8648A/B/C/D Commands
•8658B, 8657A/B/D/J Programming Codes
Service Guide •Troubleshooting
•Replaceable Parts
•Assembly Replacement
•Post-Repair Procedures
•Safety and Regulatory
Key and Data Field
Reference Volume 1:
•Symbols, Numerics, A-H
Volume 2:
•Volume 2: I-Z

1
1Safety Information

2Chapter 1
Safety Information
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The following safety notations are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each notation and
its meaning before operating the signal generator.
WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a condition or situation that could
result in personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning until the
indicated conditions or situations are fully understood.
CAUTION Caution calls attention to a possible condition or situation that could result in the loss of a
user’s work, damage, or destruction of the signal generator. Do not proceed beyond a
caution until the indicated conditions are fully understood.
NOTE Note calls the user’s attention to an important point or special information within the text. It
provides operational information or additional instructions of which the user should be
aware.

Chapter 1 3
Safety Information
Instrument Markings
Instrument Markings
The following markings are used on the signal generator. Familiarize yourself with each marking and its
meaning before operating the signal generator.
The instruction manual symbol. The product is marked with this symbol when it is
necessary for the user to refer to the instructions in the manual.
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. If this symbol is
accompanied by a year, it is the year when the design was proven.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.
The C-Tick Mark is a trademark registered to the Australian Spectrum Management
Agency. This indicates compliance with all Australian EMC regulatory information.
This symbol is used to mark the on position of the power line switch.
This symbol is used to mark the standby position of the power line switch.
This symbol indicates that the input power required is ac.
This is a symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A product.
(CISPER 11, Clause 4)
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in
electromagnetic environments outside of the home.

4Chapter 1
Safety Information
Instrument Markings
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirements.
The affixed label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product
in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE Directive
Annex 1, this product is classed as a “Monitoring and Control instrumentation”
product.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or see
http://www.agilent.com/environment/product/ for more information.

Chapter 1 5
Safety Information
General Safety Considerations
General Safety Considerations
WARNING Personal injury may result if the signal generator covers are removed. There are no
operator serviceable parts inside. To avoid electrical shock, refer servicing to qualified
personnel.

6Chapter 1
Safety Information
General Safety Considerations

7
2Getting Started

8Chapter 2
Getting Started
Checking the Shipment
Checking the Shipment
1. Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates
signs of unusual stress or compacting.
2. Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify that your order is complete.
The following items are shipped standard with each signal generator:
• installation guide
• documentation CD-ROM
CD-ROM contents are also available in hard copy format. Refer to
“ESG Documentation” on page 17 for more information.
• three-prong ac power cord (specific to geographic location)
3. Verify that any options ordered are included with the shipment by checking the serial number label on
the rear of the signal generator and the packing literature included with the shipment.
Front handles and rack mounting hardware are also available for your signal generator. Refer to “Front
Handles and Rack Mount Flanges” on page 17 for more information.

Chapter 2 9
Getting Started
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
Environment
The signal generator is designed for use in the following environmental conditions:
• indoor use
• altitudes < 15,000 feet (4,572 meters)
•0to55°C temperature, unless otherwise specified
• 5 to 95 % relative humidity (maximum) for temperatures up to 31° C, decreasing linearly to 50% relative
humidity at 40° C
• mains supply voltage must not fluctuate more than ±10%
• enclosure protection IP Class 20, according to IEC 529
CAUTION This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and POLLUTION
DEGREE 2, per IEC 61010-1 and 664, respectively.
Ventilation
Ventilation holes are located on the rear panel and all four sides of the signal generator cover. Do not allow
these holes to be obstructed, as they allow air flow through the signal generator.
When installing the signal generator in a cabinet, the convection into and out of the signal generator must
not be restricted. The ambient temperature outside the cabinet must be less than the maximum operating
temperature of the signal generator by 4° C for every 100 watts dissipated within the cabinet.
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result when the total power dissipated in the cabinet is
greater than 800 watts. When this condition exists, forced convection must be applied.

10 Chapter 2
Getting Started
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
Line Settings
The signal generator has an autoranging line voltage input. The available ac power source must meet the
following conditions:
Voltage: 100/115 volts nominal (90-132 volts)
230/240 volts nominal (198-254 volts)
Frequency: for 100/115 volts: 50/60 Hz nominal
50/60/400 Hz nominal (instruments with serial prefixes
>US4907/MY4907)
for 230/240 volts: 50/60 Hz nominal
50/60/400 Hz nominal (instruments with serial prefixes
>US4907/MY4907)
Power: 200 watts maximum
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result if the supply voltage is not within the specified
range.
Connecting the AC Power Cord
This is a Safety Class 1 Product provided with a protective earth ground incorporated into the power cord.
The front panel switch is only a standby switch; it is not a line switch. The ac power cord is the
disconnecting device that disconnects the signal generator mains circuits from the mains supply.
Alternatively, an external switch or circuit breaker, readily identifiable and easily reached by the operator,
may also be used as a disconnecting device.
Perform the following steps when connecting the ac power cord:
WARNING Personal injury may occur if there is any interruption of the protective conductor
inside or outside of the signal generator. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
CAUTION Damage to the signal generator may result without adequate earth grounding. Always use
the three-prong ac power cord supplied with the signal generator.

Chapter 2 11
Getting Started
Meeting Electrical and Environmental Requirements
1. Ensure that the power cord is not damaged.
2. Install the signal generator so that one of the following items is readily identifiable and easily reached by
the operator: ac power cord, alternative switch, or circuit breaker.
3. Insert the mains plug into a socket outlet provided with a protective earth grounding.

12 Chapter 2
Getting Started
Configuring the Display
Configuring the Display
You can adjust the LCD display using features such as contrast, brightness, screen saver mode, and the
screen saver delay. You can also toggle features such as inverse video, display updating in remote mode, and
the screen saver on or off.
Adjusting Contrast and Brightness
Press to decrease the display contrast.
Pressing the decrease contrast hardkey and holding it down causes the display background to gradually
darken in comparison to the text on the display. The minimum contrast setting is not a completely black
display. Some contrast between the background and the text will still be visible.
Press to increase the display contrast
Pressing the increase contrast hardkey and holding it down causes the display background to gradually
brighten in comparison to the text on the display. If the background does not appear to change, it is probably
set to the maximum contrast.
Press Utility > Display > Brightness.
This allows for adjustment of the display’s brightness.
Use the arrow keys, numeric keypad, or front panel knob to adjust the display brightness. The brightness
value is set to 50 (maximum brightness) at the factory. The minimum brightness value is 1.
Setting Inverse Video
Press Utility > Display > Inverse Video Off On.
This toggles between inverse video mode and normal display mode.
The normal display mode for the signal generator is dark text on a light background. Inverse video mode is
light text on a dark background. Inverse video is a persistent state; it is not affected by a signal generator
preset or power cycle.
Configuring the Screen Saver
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Off On.
This toggles the operating mode of the screen saver.
Extend the life expectancy of the signal generator’s display light by activating the screen saver. Leaving the
display lit for long periods of time or turning the display on and off frequently decreases the life of the bulb.

Chapter 2 13
Getting Started
Configuring the Display
With the screen saver on, the display light is turned off after a defined period of time with no input to the
front panel. The display light turns on again when any front panel key is pressed or when a remote command
is sent. The screen saver is set to off at the factory.
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Mode.
This toggles the screen saver mode between light-only mode and light-and-text mode.
Adjust the screen saver mode to turn the light on, off, or to turn both the light and text on and off. Setting the
mode to light-only mode turns the display light off, leaving the text visible at a low intensity. If the display
remains unchanged for long periods of time, set the mode to light and text to prevent the text from burning
the display. This mode turns the display light and the text off.
Press Utility > Display > Screen Saver Delay:.
This adjusts the amount of elapsed time before the screen saver is activated.
The screen saver delay is set to 1 hour at the factory. The current screen saver delay is displayed in the
softkey label in addition to the active entry area. To change the delay, enter a new value using the numeric
keypad or by rotating the front panel knob and then press Enter. The acceptable range of the delay value is 1
through 12 hours (1 hour increments).
The screen saver settings are persistent states; they are not affected by a signal generator preset or power
cycle.
Updating the Display During Remote Operation
Press Utility > Display > Update in Remote Off On.
This toggles the display-update-in-remote mode on or off.
When toggled on, commands executed via the remote control bus will update the signal generator display
accordingly. When toggled off, commands executed via the remote control bus will not update the signal
generator’s display. Update-in-remote mode is set to off at the factory.

14 Chapter 2
Getting Started
Configuring for Remote Control
Configuring for Remote Control
GPIB Interface Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > GPIB Address.
2. Use the numeric keypad to set the desired address.
Alternatively, use the arrow keys or the front panel knob to set the desired address. If either alternative is
used, step 3is not required.
3. Press Enter.
The signal generator’s GPIB address is set to 19 at the factory. The acceptable range of addresses is 0
through 30.
The GPIB address is a persistent state; it is not affected by a signal generator preset or by a power cycle.
LAN Interface Configuration
Use one of the following procedures to assign a hostname and IP address to the signal generator. The
hostname and IP address are persistent states; they are not affected by an instrument preset or a power cycle.
NOTE Verify that the signal generator is connected to the LAN using a 10Base-T LAN cable.
Manual Configuration
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > LAN Setup.
2. Press Hostname.
NOTE The Hostname softkey is only available when LAN Config Manual DHCP is set to Manual.
3. Use the labeled text softkeys or numeric keypad or both to enter the desired hostname. To erase the
current hostname, press Editing Keys > Clear Text.
4. Press Enter.
5. Press LAN Config Manual DHCP to Manual.