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ID: U09-2525689

Keysight E4438C-503

Q: What is a signal?

A signal is what is produced by a signal generator when testing electronic equipment. The signal can be a basic sine wave, a pulse or a modulation signal. The signals that are produced are used to test, troubleshoot and design electronic equipment.

Q: What is a signal generator, and what is it used for?

A signal generator is an electronic testing instrument that creates repeating or non-repeating electric waves of different shapes and amplitudes. A signal generator gives clear and concise feedback about the product's performance. Signal generators are used in many different fields, but they are most important in the fields of electronics and radio communications. Engineers use this tool to test their own electronic equipment, as well as to design new equipment for other companies.

Q: Why should I buy a Keysight signal generator?

A Keysight signal generator is a valuable addition to any test system because it provides the accuracy, performance, and insights you need to streamline your design or repair process. We are known for producing quality instruments in the industry, be it in digital RF processing, satellite communications, radar sensing and tracking, wireless communications or wireless & mobile test equipment. We want you to find the signal source that's right for your needs. We have a variety of signal generators for you to choose from. They range in frequency, but they all perform well and are easy-to-use whether it's your first time using one or not.

Q: When would I need a vector signal generator?

The vector signal generator is a type of signal generator that generates radio frequency signals with complex modulation formats. When a radio signal modulates, it changes either the amplitude or the frequency of the carrier wave.

Q: Signal generator vs waveform generator

There are two types of machines for creating signals. One is called a signal generator and the other is called a waveform generator. A signal generator is an electronic test instrument that generates either repeating or non-repeating waveforms. A waveform generator creates a wave. It is a type of signal generator that creates very sophisticated waveforms that can be specified by the user. These waveforms can be almost any shape and can be entered in a variety of ways.

Q: Signal generator vs function generator

The function generator is a type of signal generator that is used to generate simple repetitive waveforms. Typically this type of signal generator will produce waveforms such as sine waves, sawtooth waveforms, square and triangular waveforms. Please refer to Basic Oscilloscope Fundamentals for more information on waveforms. Digital signal processing techniques may be used to generate the waveforms digitally, then convert them from digital into analog format. This is especially true when you only require the waveforms to be at lower frequencies. However, higher frequency versions can be obtained.

Q: Signal generator vs oscilloscope

An oscilloscope “scopes out” or monitors a given signal applied on its input. It displays the signal as voltage vs time. A signal generator can be used to generate a signal with specific characteristics to test devices. A signal generator and an oscilloscope together form a tool that could, for example, diagnose an amplifier. The oscilloscope could then perform basic math on both the input and output to calculate, for example, changes in gain or linearity over a given range of parameters. Keysight offers two standards of used equipment: Keysight Premium Used and Keysight Used. Keysight Premium Used instruments are fully refurbished to factory new condition, with the same warranty as new ones. Keysight Used equipment is tested and working with the cosmetic appearance described in each product listing.

Q: What are EXG signal generators?

The abbreviation "EXG" stands for "exciter." An exciter is a signal generator that creates a signal and then applies it to an RF power amplifier to generate the final transmitted radiofrequency. The exciter is employed in digital systems as part of waveform generation. EXG signal generators provide the signals you will need for basic parameter testing of components. It is a tool used to test equipment such as computers which allows users to see how the equipment will work in a variety of situations. The EXG signal generator allows you to customize microwave components, such as filters and amplifiers, with additional features including full step attenuation. It also maximizes test margins on the production line with leading Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR).

250 kHz to 3 GHz

ID: U09-2525689

Actual instrument

Keysight E4438C-503

250 kHz to 3 GHz

Used & Calibrated + Measurement Report

90 days warranty

The product is end-of-support

Accessories included if shown in the pictures. No power cord included.

Additional software options may be available on request

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USD 10,622.28

List Price USD 88,519.00

Excl. taxes.

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For professional and industrial use only.

Free shipping included. Ships from Germany. Ships to South Africa within 1 week.

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503	FREQUENCY RANGE, 250KHZ TO 3 GHZ	Installed
400	W-CDMA FDD PERSONALITY, FIXED PERPETUAL LICENSE	Installed
401	CDMA 2000 AND IS-95-A PERSONALITIES, FIXED PERPETUAL LICENSE	Installed
402	TDMA PERSONALITIES (GSM, EDGE, NADC, PDC, PHS, DECT, TETRA), FIXED PERPETUAL LICENSE	Installed
403	CALIBRATED NOISE PERSONALITY, FIXED PERPETUAL LICENSE	Installed
419	SIGNAL STUDIO FOR 3GPP W-CDMA HSPA REL 6, FIXED PERPETUAL LICENSE	Installed
601	INTERNAL BASEBAND GENERATOR, 8 MSA MEMORY WITH DIGITAL BUS CAPABILITY	Installed
UNJ	ENHANCED PHASE NOISE PERFORMANCE	Installed

Request a customized version of this model by requesting a Custom Quote

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Signal characteristics

+17 dBm output power
<-134 dBc phase noise at 1 GHz and 20 kHz offset typical

Modulation and sweep

AM, FM, ØM, and pulse
ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, QAM, custom I/Q
Step, or list, frequency and power

Baseband generation and signal creation

80 MHz dual mode internal baseband generator: arbitrary waveform and real-time I/Q
64 MSa playback memory and 1 GSa storage
Create reference signals: LTE, HSPA+, WiMAX™, WLAN, DVB-H, GPS/GNSS, MATLAB and more - Signal Studio
Multi-channel baseband generation with N5102A Digital I/O, MIMO fading and RF to RF fading with PXB Baseband Generator and Channel Emulator

Automation and communication interface

10BaseT LAN and GPIB
SCPI and IVI-COM drivers
Backwards compatible with ESG, PSG and 8648 signal generators

RF performance and leading-edge baseband generation

The E4438C ESG vector signal generator combines outstanding RF performance and sophisticated baseband generation to deliver calibrated test signals at baseband, IF, and RF frequencies up to 6 GHz. Offering an internal baseband generator with arbitrary waveform and real-time I/Q capabilities, ample waveform playback and storage memory, and a wide RF modulation bandwidth, the E4438C ESG is equipped to test today's complex wireless systems and their components.

Modular architecture to meet your test requirements

The E4438C ESG is an adaptable platform with optional capabilities to customize the instrument for baseband and RF test applications ranging from simple distortion test and general purpose troubleshooting to baseband coding algorithm development, advanced transceiver design verification, and high volume manufacturing. Its modular architecture makes it easy to configure the instrument with the level of performance and signal creation capability you need today with the option to upgrade in the future.

Accessories only included if shown in the pictures. No power cord included.

Other accessories that are not listed and included in the offer can be purchased separately at an extra cost with your purchase of a Keysight Used or Keysight Premium Used unit. Please specify in the comment field which additional accessories or support you are interested in.

For separate or post-purchase ordering, please contact your local Keysight office or Keysight Partner here. Or check our online store if available for your region here.

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What You Get

Keysight E4438C-503 Signal Generators
Accessories only included if shown in the pictures
Calibration certificate only included if shown in the pictures

What You Can Add

KeysightCare Assured
Fresh Calibration
Calibration Plan

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FAQs

What are the main differences between Keysight New, Keysight Premium Used & Keysight Used equipment?

	Keysight New	Keysight Premium Used	Keysight Used
Savings	None	Up to 70%	Up to 90%
Condition	New	Like New	Working Condition ¹
Firmware	Latest	Updated	As is
Calibration	Full	Full	As listed
Accessories	New	New	As listed
Warranty	1 to 5 Years ²	Like New	90 Days Warranty
Customization	Possible	Possible	Limited

Learn more about Keysight Premium Used Here

Can I configure a unit to meet my personal needs?

Customization is generally possible with our Keysight Premium Used equipment. The majority of our Keysight Premium Used equipment can be configured just the way you need it. Options can be added at additional cost.
Customizing Keysight Premium Used equipment might change the delivery and lead time of the item.

Some Keysight Used products cannot be customized. Use the contact option on the product page to check with the our eStore team.

What accessories are included?

Keysight Premium Used equipment typically comes with the same accessories and warranty as new products.

Can you include other accessories?

We currently only offer those accessories which are part of the listing. Other accessories can be purchased separately at extra cost with your purchase of a Keysight Used or Keysight Premium Used unit.

Please mention in the comment field which additional accessories or support you are interested in.

For seperate or post-purchase ordering, please contact your local Keysight office or Keysight Partner here. Or check our online store if available for your region here.

See all FAQs

All

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Read Article

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How to Amplify Signal From a Function Generator

Read Article

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How to Measure Inductance With an Oscilloscope and Signal Generator

Read Article

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What Is a Rf Signal Generator? Different Types, Applications & More!

Read Article

Why Buy Used Directly
From Keysight

Second-Hand. First-Class.

Risk free

Up to 5 Years Like-New Warranty

Global Coverage
Predictable Expenses

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Leader in T&M

Pioneering Quality 
for 80+ Years

Chosen by Industry Leaders
Over 30,000 Customers

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Certified Like-New

Premium Refurbished Instruments

101-Point-Checklist
Latest Firmware/Software

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First-Class

Full-Service with KeysightCare

Priority Response
Optional Calibration Plan

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Customization

Add Hardware. 
Enhance Software.

Meet your testing needs
Addable HW/SW options

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Personal Support

Personalized Service, Local Team

Over 100 countries
Live agents in your language

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Extra Savings

Save up to 90 % and more on OEM Quality

+5% when buying online
+15 % education discount
Regular promotions

Immediate Availability

Wide Range of Equipment In Stock

Request higher quantities
Quick responses worldwide

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Function-AW + Signal Generators Quick-Facts

What is a signal?

A signal is what is produced by a signal generator when testing electronic equipment. The signal can be a basic sine wave, a pulse or a modulation signal. The signals that are produced are used to test, troubleshoot and design electronic equipment.

What is a signal generator, and what is it used for?

A signal generator is an electronic testing instrument that creates repeating or non-repeating electric waves of different shapes and amplitudes. A signal generator gives clear and concise feedback about the product's performance. Signal generators are used in many different fields, but they are most important in the fields of electronics and radio communications. Engineers use this tool to test their own electronic equipment, as well as to design new equipment for other companies.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.1 N5166B CXG RF Vector Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 6 GHz — Figure.1 N5166B CXG RF Vector Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 6 GHz

For example, a signal generator is typically on an oscilloscope. It is used to produce a sine wave (smooth curve) that can be used to test electrical signals. Learn more about oscilloscopes here.

Other types of signal generators include:

arbitrary waveform generator
audio signal generator
function generator
pulse generator
RF signal generator
vector signal generator

Each type provides different kinds of signals. For example, some provide radio frequency and audio, while others provide waveform or just pulses.

For a full list of Keysight signal generators, please visit our product listing page.

Why should I buy a Keysight signal generator?

A Keysight signal generator is a valuable addition to any test system because it provides the accuracy, performance, and insights you need to streamline your design or repair process. We are known for producing quality instruments in the industry, be it in digital RF processing, satellite communications, radar sensing and tracking, wireless communications or wireless & mobile test equipment.

We want you to find the signal source that's right for your needs. We have a variety of signal generators for you to choose from. They range in frequency, but they all perform well and are easy-to-use whether it's your first time using one or not.

When would I need a vector signal generator?

The vector signal generator is a type of signal generator that generates radio frequency signals with complex modulation formats. When a radio signal modulates, it changes either the amplitude or the frequency of the carrier wave.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.2 Keysight N5166B Vector Signal Generator — Figure.2 Keysight N5166B Vector Signal Generator

Vector signal generators are used when testing different modern data communications systems. They are often used to check Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and other connectivity solutions that use advanced waveforms.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.3 Keysight N9310A RF Signal Generator — Figure.3 Keysight N9310A RF Signal Generator

Signal generator vs waveform generator

There are two types of machines for creating signals. One is called a signal generator and the other is called a waveform generator. A signal generator is an electronic test instrument that generates either repeating or non-repeating waveforms.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.4 Keysight PSG Signal Generator — Figure.4 Keysight PSG Signal Generator

A waveform generator creates a wave. It is a type of signal generator that creates very sophisticated waveforms that can be specified by the user. These waveforms can be almost any shape and can be entered in a variety of ways.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.5 EDU33211A Waveform Generator, 20 MHz, 1 Channel .png — Figure.5 EDU33211A Waveform Generator, 20 MHz, 1 Channel

Signal generator vs function generator

The function generator is a type of signal generator that is used to generate simple repetitive waveforms. Typically this type of signal generator will produce waveforms such as sine waves, sawtooth waveforms, square and triangular waveforms. Please refer to Basic Oscilloscope Fundamentals for more information on waveforms.

Digital signal processing techniques may be used to generate the waveforms digitally, then convert them from digital into analog format. This is especially true when you only require the waveforms to be at lower frequencies. However, higher frequency versions can be obtained.

Signal generator vs oscilloscope

An oscilloscope “scopes out” or monitors a given signal applied on its input. It displays the signal as voltage vs time. A signal generator can be used to generate a signal with specific characteristics to test devices.

To see the full list of oscilloscopes we carry, visit our product listing page.

signal_generator_cat_Figure.6 Oscilloscope displaying voltage vs time — Figure.6 Oscilloscope displaying voltage vs time

A signal generator and an oscilloscope together form a tool that could, for example, diagnose an amplifier. The oscilloscope could then perform basic math on both the input and output to calculate, for example, changes in gain or linearity over a given range of parameters.

Keysight offers two standards of used equipment: Keysight Premium Used and Keysight Used. Keysight Premium Used instruments are fully refurbished to factory new condition, with the same warranty as new ones. Keysight Used equipment is tested and working with the cosmetic appearance described in each product listing.

What are EXG signal generators?

The abbreviation "EXG" stands for "exciter." An exciter is a signal generator that creates a signal and then applies it to an RF power amplifier to generate the final transmitted radiofrequency. The exciter is employed in digital systems as part of waveform generation.

EXG signal generators provide the signals you will need for basic parameter testing of components. It is a tool used to test equipment such as computers which allows users to see how the equipment will work in a variety of situations.

The EXG signal generator allows you to customize microwave components, such as filters and amplifiers, with additional features including full step attenuation. It also maximizes test margins on the production line with leading Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR).