Agilent Technologies-Quantum Data Solution Enables DisplayPort Test Automation

Automated Platform Boosts Productivity and Accuracy for Test Engineers, Compliance Labs

SANTA CLARA, Calif., and ELGIN, Ill., Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Quantum Data Inc. today announced a jointly developed DisplayPort test solution that fully automates physical layer testing of the DisplayPort main link for sink- and source-device testing.

The new Agilent W2642A AUX Channel Controller enables engineers to control a device under test through the DisplayPort connector only. Separate proprietary software for back-channel control of each test device is no longer required. Customers can now expect productivity to improve dramatically because engineers and other test personnel no longer must be present during the test process, which can take five hours for DisplayPort sources. Compliance test labs will also find these processes offer them increased productivity, consistency and accuracy.

In addition, developers can now automate physical layer tests using the same test instrument they need for testing and understanding the link layer. Automated physical layer tests can be made using Agilent test equipment such as the DSO90000A Infiniium oscilloscope or the N4903A J-BERT with the N5990A test automation software.

The W2642A is based on the Quantum Data 882E frame and incorporates Agilent IP for DisplayPort AUX channel control. The W2642A provides the following features:

* Automated physical layer tests -- For testing DisplayPort source devices, the W2642A can be used with Agilent’s U7232A Infiniium oscilloscope DisplayPort compliance test software. For testing sink devices, the W2642A can be used with the Agilent N5990A test automation software and the Agilent, N4903A J-BERT or ParBERT 81250A.
* Graphical user interface for standalone operation -- The W2642A can control the state of a DisplayPort source or sink device for verification of data exchange over the DisplayPort AUX channel.
* Link layer and HDCP (high-definition content protection) compliance testing -- This capability was leveraged from the Quantum Data 882 video test instrument.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Quantum Data on DisplayPort as we did with HDMI,” said Brian Fetz, DisplayPort program manager of Agilent’s Digital Test Division. “Our joint offering provides customers an unprecedented level of automation, convenience and speed. It is a beautiful thing to press ’Go,’ leave for lunch and have the system test while you are gone. We are excited about the future of the DisplayPort interface, and this product line-up completes our test vision for this technology.”

“It was clearly a synergistic play,” said Al Jorgensen, president and CEO of Quantum Data. “Agilent had developed the IP for the AUX channel control while Quantum Data had already developed the link layer and HDCP compliance test capability as well as AUX channel analysis. Adding the automation feature to our platform seemed very natural and logical to us. The result is an instrument set that customers can use to do any testing required for DisplayPort.”

Additional information about Agilent’s DisplayPort compliance test solution is available at www.agilent.com/find/DisplayPort. High-resolution images are available at www.agilent.com/find/DisplayPort_images.

A backgrounder on DisplayPort technology and Agilent’s solutions is available at www.agilent.com/find/displayport_backgrounder.

Agilent’s complete portfolio of oscilloscopes is available in a variety of form factors, from 20 MHz to 90 GHz, offering industry-leading specifications and powerful applications.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent DisplayPort test solution (W2642A) is available now. Pricing starts at $86,000, depending on the configuration.

About DisplayPort

The DisplayPort standard defines a high-bandwidth interface for connecting laptops or personal computers with display monitors or connecting computers with high-definition consumer electronics devices. The DisplayPort digital display specification was published by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) and is being endorsed by major PC manufacturers such as Dell and Hewlett-Packard Co. It promises a scalable, license-free technology that will simplify PC monitors.

About Quantum Data

Headquartered in Elgin, Ill., Quantum Data, Inc. invents test instruments that help manufacturers bring next-generation video, audio and control products to market - faster and without interoperability problems. These instruments simultaneously improve a manufacturer’s time-to-market and interoperability with other manufacturer’s products. Features include signal emulation, signal analysis, troubleshooting and compliance testing. Quantum Data’s instruments are used in product development, certification, manufacturing, installation and service environments. Quantum Data sells and services OEMs and resellers, as well as selling private-label test instruments to other OEMs.
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 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.