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Agilent Technologies Expands World's Most Flexible PNA-X Network Analyzer for Active Device Test with 8.5-GHz Model

  
  

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 2, 2014

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today expanded the world's most flexible PNA-X family of network analyzers with an 8.5 GHz model that more economically supports lower-frequency devices used in wireless communication applications (e.g., handsets, base stations, WLAN and other mobile communication devices).

Agilent's award-winning PNA-X nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA) has also been expanded to include an 8.5 GHz model. The new solutions provide engineers developing and manufacturing active devices the flexibility to select just the right frequency required for their specific application.

When characterizing active devices, the right mix of speed, performance and measurement integrity is critical to gaining a competitive edge. The new 8.5 GHz PNA-X offers both the unmatched performance and capabilities needed to deliver on all fronts. Moreover, its lower cost and frequency bring advanced measurement capabilities to the cost-sensitive wireless communication device market, where reduced test time, number of test stations and test cost are critical.

With low-noise amplifier tests there are typically multiple test stations, such as small signal gain/match, distortions and noise figure; the PNA-X integrates these test stations into one. By integrating measurements from multiple test stations into one, the PNA-X reduces the number of test stations by as much as 75 percent and reduces costs by 30 percent.

The new 8.5 GHz model also now brings the NVNA solution to engineers working in the RF and microwave frequency ranges. Agilent's NVNA is the industry's first measurement and simulation environment for designing nonlinear components. The result is the highest level of insight into nonlinear device behavior, making the NVNA capability especially useful for scientists researching new RF technologies and engineers involved in designing today's high-performance active devices. Using NVNA, X-parameters are measured and then used to create X-parameter models that can be imported into Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS) to simulate actual linear and nonlinear component behavior.

"For today's wireless communication designers and manufacturers of RF components, finding a test system that meets their needs without forcing them to pay for functionality they don't want is paramount," said Steve Scheppelmann, Agilent's PNA marketing manager. "The new 8.5 GHz PNA-X model, coupled with the industry's widest range of measurement applications, now provides them the flexibility they need to build their optimal test solution."

Key features of the PNA-X Series network analyzers include:

  • Single-connection, multiple measurements. The configurable 2- or 4-port network analyzers offer a unique single-connection solution for CW and pulsed S-parameter, compression, intermodulation distortion (IMD) and noise figure measurements.
  • Two built-in high-performance signal sources, making the PNA-X the industry's only 2-port network analyzer with an internal second source. Sources offer high output power (+16 dBm), low harmonics (-60 dBc) and a wide power sweep range (40 dB).
  • Industry's widest range of measurement applications for amplifiers, converters or modules with linear and nonlinear characterizations. Applications include vector noise figure, gain compression, IMD, true differential and NVNA.
  • Internal signal-routing switches. Switches provide increased flexibility for adding signal conditioning hardware or additional test equipment for single connection measurements.
  • Internal pulse modulators and generators for fast, simplified pulse measurements-the only network analyzer to feature them. This advanced capability enables pulse measurements up to 30 times faster compared with other analyzers that require external generators and modulators.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent's new 8.5 GHz, 2- or 4-port PNA-X model and PNA-X NVNA option are now available. Pricing is as follows:

N5249A-200

PNA-X network analyzer,
2-port single source

 $55,390
N5249A-219

Extended power range and
bias tees option for 2-port PNA-X

 $6,135
N5249A-224

Internal second source, combiner and
mechanical switches for 2-port PNA-X

 $14,146
N5249A-400

PNA-X network analyzer,
4-port dual source

 $67,531
N5249A-419

Extended power range and bias tees
option for 4-port PNA-X

 $11,332
N5249A-423

Internal combiner and mechanical
switches for 4-port PNA-X

 $6,221


The NVNA option prices start at $39,582.

More information about the new 8.5 GHz PNA-X model and breakthrough NVNA technology is available at www.agilent.com/find/pna and www.agilent.com/find/nvna, respectively. Photos of Agilent's expanded PNA-X solution are available at www.agilent.com/find/8.5GHz_PNA-X_images.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company's 20,600 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement business. The new company is named Keysight Technologies, Inc. The separation is expected to be completed in early November 2014.

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Contact:

Janet Smith, Americas
+1 970 679 5397
janet_smith@agilent.com
Twitter: @JSmithAgilent

Sarah Calnan, Europe
+44 (118) 927 5101
sarah_calnan@agilent.com

Connie Wong, Asia
+852 3197-7818
connie-ky_wong@agilent.com