Agilent Technologies introduces industry’s lowest phase noise capability for signal generation

Ultra-low phase noise option for the PSG signal generator sets new standard in spectral purity

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 5, 2005, Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced an ultra-low phase noise option for the PSG vector and analog signal generators, providing the lowest phase-noise capability for signal generation in the industry. Agilent also announced a new frequency range option for its PSG analog signal generator. Providing coverage over the 250 kHz to 31.8 GHz frequency range, this option now offers RF engineers a cost-effective choice for applications up to 31.8 GHz.

Agilent’s ultra-low phase noise capability, Option UNX, offers an impressive phase noise performance of -111 dBc/Hz at a 100 Hz offset and -133 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier frequency. Designed for signal-generation applications that require spectrally pure signals as well as outstanding modulation accuracy, it helps ensure accurate signal simulation and measurements. Typical applications include radar testing where low phase noise is necessary to evaluate high-resolution radar, RF subsystem design verification, and reference source applications for phase noise measurement systems.

Specific RF applications include LO substitution, low-jitter clock stimulus, blocking/interference signals, stimulus/response measurements close to carrier, and high-order digital-modulation-format signal generation, such as 128 QAM and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Option UNX replaces the PSG signal generator’s standard internal frequency reference with a high-performance internal frequency reference that improves the close-in phase stability to provide superior phase noise performance.

“Agilent’s commitment to ongoing research into frequency reference and time-base design has enabled us to set a new standard in spectral purity with the best off-the-shelf microwave signal available,” said Jim Zellers, program manager with Agilent’s signal sources division. “Our new ultra-low phase noise option provides a 3 to 6 dB improvement over our current phase noise Option UNR, at frequency offsets from carrier from below 1 Hz to 10 KHz.”

Agilent’s new 31.8 GHz frequency range option for the PSG analog signal generator, Option 532, provides design engineers working in satellite communications and other K-band applications a flexible and affordable alternative to higher-frequency signal generators. This option, coupled with the PSG signal generators’ currently available frequency ranges -- 20, 40, 50 and 67 GHz -- provides the engineer with another dimension of flexibility during configuration. The PSG signal generators are part of the Agilent Open program, which provides system-ready convenience and flexible connectivity.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent PSG signal generators, new frequency range and ultra-low phase noise option are available now.
Product number, Description, Price

E8257D-UNX, Ultra-low noise phase noise option for the E8257D PSG analog signal generator, $12,700
E8267D-UNX, Ultra-low noise phase noise option for the E8267D PSG vector signal generator, $12,700
E8257D-532, Frequency range from 250 kHz to 31.8 GHz for the E8257D PSG analog signal generator, $32,500

Information about Agilent’s ultra-low noise phase option for the E8257D and E8267D PSG signal generators, as well as the new frequency range for the PSG analog signal generator, is available at www.agilent.com/find/PSG. Publication number 5989-1221EN, “PSG Signal Generators,” is available at cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-1221EN.pdf. Photos of the new product options are available at www.agilent.com/find/UNX_images.

About Agilent Open

Agilent Open simplifies the process of connecting and programming test systems to help engineers design, validate and manufacture electronic products. Agilent combines a broad range of system-ready instruments, open industry software, PC-standard I/O and global support to accelerate test system development. For more information, see www.agilent.com/find/open.
About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 21,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

Contact Information

Janet Smith

Agilent Technologies Inc.

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