Date: 29/09/2010

Agilent Technologies unveils new 67 GHz VNA

Agilent Technologies Inc. has released the 67 GHz PNA-X Series vector network analyzer (VNA), The N5247A. This 67 GHz PNA-X offers benefit of Agilent's single-connection, multiple-measurement, PNA-X platform. The N5247A PNA-X is suggested for microwave applications, including active device characterization and tests; device modeling; high-speed digital; and material research.

The N5247A PNA-X delivers +10 dBm output power; 110 dB system dynamic range; and a 0.1 dB receiver compression point of +11 dBm specified at 67 GHz. Agilent says that these specifications are 8 dB more output power and 7 dB more dynamic range than any other VNA in the industry.

The N5247A features clean internal dual sources, a built-in combiner and path switches. These features enable a single-connection solution for S-parameters, noise figure and intermodulation distortion (IMD) measurements. It also makes it possible to perform many other measurements that are required for testing active devices up to 67 GHz. This includes pulse; gain compression; harmonics and spectrum for amplifiers; mixers; and frequency converters.

It is also reported that the 67 GHz PNA-X reduces equipment count by 50 percent, decreases test time by a factor of four to 20 times and a single contact solution for on-wafer tests eliminates the need for multiple probe contacts and operator intervention, enabling the most accurate characterization and reliable wire-bonding.

Agilent has also released the next generation of its 89600 Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software. This software provides R&D engineers performing signal and modulation analysis with a window into what's happening inside their complex wireless devices.
The 89600B VSA software measures over 70 signal standards and modulation types covering a range of applications such as mobile communications, wireless connectivity, military communications, satellite communications, and more. These solutions help wireless engineers test signals. The software's troubleshooting tools quantify spectral performance with high resolution FFT-based measurements; analyze time-domain signal quality; and characterize complex modulation down to the raw bits, including OFDMA and MIMO.

Added to the above two announcements Agilent has also launched new options its X-Series signal analyzers. These new options will specifically target needs of today's wireless R&D and manufacturing engineers performing wideband signal demodulation analysis.