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Can I use E4406A like a normal spectrum analyzer?

Question asked by imett on Mar 27, 2009
Latest reply on Jun 22, 2015 by hardyhansen

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Hello,
I want to use the E4406a like a normal spectrum analyzer but i've see in its datasheet that the frequency span is only 10 Mhz, if i'm not wrong i can span only 10Mhz at once.
Is it true?It is correct use E4406a like a spectrum analyzer?

Thanks matteo

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jborges3 Apr 9, 2009 2:11 PM
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Hello Matteo,

VSA is a vector signal analyzer, it doesn't sweep, it takes captures and performs an FFT. 10 MHz spans are the limitation of the digitizing power of the analyzer.

E4406A is a transmitter tester, so its purpose was to test known signals from narrower band wireless base stations, mobile transmitters, etc. So, it can be used as a "normal" analyzer, under those types of conditions, but it may not be useful if you wanted to look for unknown signals somewhere in the freq range of the analyzer.

It is possible to use other measurements, like the spectral emissions mask or the ACP measurement to get a number of 10 MHz traces stitched together.

Best regards,
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libor Jul 12, 2010 2:17 AM
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Could you please provide a more detailed list of 'normal' RF functions the E4406A can do or tricked to be able to do?

I am looking for some used equipment to upgrade our lab with some basic RF instruments like RF power measurement, VSWR, spectrum analysis, antenna testing, signal generation , (I would say VNA also, but this is surely beyond our budget), etc. in the 400 - 2400 MHz range. We develop telemetry devices with built-in antenna mostly in the narrow ISM bands of 433Mhz, 868Mhz, and 2400-2480 Mhz, mostly 2-FSK/GFSK modulation

Could you give me a clue if the special mobile handset/base station testing functions can be bypassed and at least the very basic RF measurements (eg. RF output power measurement at 433/868MHz non-mobile bands, a spectrum view, etc.) can be made with this analyzer.

PS. I have the same question regarding a E8285A CELLULAR TEST SET both with/without 'Option 102 Spectrum analyzer'
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xmo Jul 12, 2010 9:06 PM
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You can find answers to your questions about the capabilities of the E4406A by downloading the brochures and manuals for the unit. Just go to agilent.com and search on E4406A.

The instrument has a BASIC mode that provides spectrum, channel power, and adjacent channel power measurements. Similar measurements are included in the optional standards based modes [e.g. GSM, NADC, PDC] but for general purpose work the BASIC mode will meet many needs and is a standard feature.

I would not recommend the E4406 as your only spectrum analyzer but as a complement to another instrument such as an Agilent ESA, the E4406A can be a great addition to your lab. The E4406A features outstanding speed and amplitude accuracy.

These units are available on the used market at very attractive prices. Considering that the E4406A is based on the high end PSA series, there is a lot to like about it. You get the great Agilent build quality with a big bright screen and controls that have a very nice feel. You get a nice quiet L.O.

For comparison, here are some screenshots. The first is from a new Agilent CXA, the second from an Agilent ESA, and the last from the Agilent VSA [E4406A] In each case the instrument is measuring a CW signal from a nice clean source[~-140dBc/Hz]. The instrument settings were configured as closely as possible for comparitive purposes [i.e. reference level, RBW, span] Because the source has less noise than the analyzers the images show a comparison of the noise of the instruments themselves.

The new CXA:

The ESA:

The VSA:
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libor Jul 13, 2010 5:25 AM
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xmo, many thanks for the reassuring and the screenshots. The much lower noise on the VSA is really impressive. (the VSA has up to 30dB lower noise ? is it the very same signal / setup we are looking at ? )
I am reading the manuals now, (there is a huge amount of information about the mobile devices testing in them, I concentrate on the BASIC mode)
You're right about the very attractive prices on the used market, that's why I'm deliberating about this analyzer as the next candidate into our lab.
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wramsdell Oct 7, 2010 11:07 AM
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This is a really interesting thread! I've been watching the price on the E4406A drop like a rock for the last 2+ years, wondering if it was worth picking one up for its narrowband spectrum analysis abilities. It sounds like the answer is a resounding "yes!", especially given that they'll be sub-$1K soon ($1150 here: https://www.valuetronics.com/Used_Agile ... 4406A.aspx). It seems like it wouldn't be too hard to put together a PC-side script to grab a bunch of spectrum chunks and stitch them together for a broader span, if you're willing to wait a bit for the result. For (essentially) a $1000 PSA, I sure am. Is there some document that succinctly lists the options so that I know what I'm buying? I can find bits and pieces here and there, but can't seem to find a comprehensive list.
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xmo Oct 10, 2010 5:07 PM
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"...Is there some document that succinctly lists the options ..."

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb ... -7618E.pdf
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- wramsdell @ xmo on Jun 17, 2015 10:00 PM
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  4 years in and I continue to be impressed with this instrument. They're now as cheap as $500, which is an unbeatable deal. Get one with option B7C if you can, I've used the baseband I and Q inputs for audio testing extensively. I suspect that by taking the I and Q traces and importing them into GNURadio or Matlab one could come up with a very capable VSA. The 10 MHz spectrum sweep is not a big deal, the box tunes quickly enough that it's easy to grab a considerable number of traces and stitch them together with some straightforward scripting. Also be sure to check out John Miles' utilities which support the E4406A. His phase noise utility, paired with the low phase noise LO and tight RBW capability of the 4406, is stellar.
  http://www.ke5fx.com/gpib/readme.htm
  
  Edited by: wramsdell on Jun 17, 2015 10:59 PM
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  - hardyhansen @ wramsdell on Jun 22, 2015 9:05 PM
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    Hi
    You are absolutely right!-this is a very fine instrument,with real specs much better than advertised.
    With option BAF(wcdma) one can make a span to 100Mhz,but I would like to see how You can make scripting for greater spans!?.
    Have mailed You.
    Regards
    Hardy
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