Agilent Technologies Enhances X-Series Signal Analyzers with Increased Sensitivity, Higher Frequency Stability and Coverage

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2014 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced a series of enhancements for its MXA and EXA X-Series signal analyzers. The enhancements are ideal for engineers performing wireless communications and general-purpose testing at various phases of the product life cycle, from R&D and design verification to manufacturing and installation.

Agilent’s MXA signal analyzer now offers best-in-class sensitivity, along with higher frequency stability and coverage—effectively raising the bar on the level of performance expected of traditional midrange instruments.

The MXA achieves best-in-class sensitivity through a new Noise Floor Extension (NFE) feature. With this optional capability, the analyzer yields up to a 9-dB sensitivity improvement over MXA models without NFE, without having to compromise the third-order intercept. This capability is based on the latest advanced noise modeling technology and can be accessed with just a license key. The higher sensitivity enables RF engineers to more accurately measure weak signals in the presence of larger ones. A set of new USB “smart” external preamplifiers, available for all X-Series signal analyzers, further improves sensitivity and noise figure.

The MXA and EXA achieve higher frequency stability with a new atomic frequency reference (AFR) option. The option builds on a previous improvement in the analyzers’ short-term frequency stability by offering a 100X improvement in long-term frequency stability. The increased frequency stability allows base-station installers to verify the synchronization of signals transmitted within a multiple antenna system at the highest precision, thereby providing the best possible quality of service.

Higher-frequency coverage for the MXA is possible via an external mixing option. The option covers frequencies beyond 26.5 GHz and up to 110 GHz with Agilent M1970 smart mixers, and to 1.1 THz with VDI’s frequency extender. The option allows engineers to measure millimeter-wave signals and up to terahertz without having to buy a separate high-end analyzer. With carrier frequencies moving toward millimeter-wave and higher in modern applications like backhaul connections for wireless communications, this capability is now more essential for accurate signal analysis.

“Engineers are facing a number of challenges as they begin working in millimeter-wave and higher frequencies, including more accurately identifying and measuring weak or previously unknown signals, as well as achieving a higher level of frequency stability,” said Jim Curran, marketing manager for Agilent’s Microwave and Communications Division. “Each of the enhancements offered by Agilent provides engineers new insight to keep pace with evolving wireless industry requirements.”

The MXA and EXA signal analyzers also now support an option that enables the fastest-in-class power measurements. This fast power option speeds power measurements made by the MXA or EXA, such as adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) and band density, by up to 4X, saving significant test time and increasing productivity.

Additional Information

The new enhancements to the MXA and EXA X-Series signal analyzers are available worldwide.

N9020A-NFE Noise floor extension for MXA

N9020A-EXM External mixing for MXA

N9020A-FP2 Fast power for MXA

N9010A-FP2 Fast power for EXA

J7203A Atomic frequency reference

U7227A USB preamplifier, 10 MHz to 4 GHz

U7227C USB preamplifier, 100 MHz to 26.5 GHz

U7227F USB preamplifier, 2 to 50 GHz

More information on the new MXA and EXA enhancements is available at www.agilent.com/find/X-series_enhancements. Photos of the enhanced capabilities are available at www.agilent.com/find/X-Series_enhancements_images. Information on Agilent’s X-Series, an evolutionary approach to signal analysis that spans instrumentation, measurements and software, can be found at www.agilent.com/find/X-Series.

Editorial contact: Sarah Calnan, Agilent Technologies
Tel: +44 (0)118 9275 101
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @AgilentTM_UK

Release date: 1st May 2014
Release number: PREM14053

Readers inquiries:

For UK
Tel: 0118 927 6201
Fax: 0118 927 6855
Email: [email protected]

Web: www.agilent.co.uk

For Ireland
Tel: 1890 924204
Fax: 1890 924024
Email: [email protected]

Web: www.agilent.ie

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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