Agilent Technologies Introduces Industry-First Waveform Analysis Solutions for Next-Generation Storage, Telecommunications Components and Systems

New Capabilities Include Advanced Jitter and Complex Modulation Analysis, Industry-First 16X Fibre Channel Solution

SAN DIEGO, Calif., OFC/NFOEC, Booth 1719, Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced three new measurement solutions for testing next-generation storage and telecommunications components and systems. The new solutions are the first of their kind in the industry and are based on the 86100C digital communications analyzer (DCA). They allow engineers to easily visualize and accurately quantify the quality of their latest component and system designs.

The new measurement solutions are:

* integrated 16X Fibre Channel receiver;
* advanced jitter analysis software; and
* complex-modulation signal analysis software.

Integrated 16X Fibre Channel Receiver

The Agilent 86105D 20-GHz optical/35-GHz electrical plug-in module is designed for precision waveform analysis of optical transceivers operating at 8X or 16X Fibre Channel and 10-Gb SONET/SDH/Ethernet rates. The integrated optical receiver has an unfiltered bandwidth exceeding 20 GHz and switchable compliant reference receivers. This instrument allows complete waveform analysis from early R&D through volume manufacturing over multiple transceiver technologies. When it is coupled with the updated 83496B clock recovery module, the 86105D is the industry’s first complete waveform analysis solution for the emerging 16X Fibre Channel standard.

Transceiver designers and manufacturers develop and test transceivers used in a variety of communication systems operating at different signaling rates. The wide-bandwidth and broad-wavelength capability of the 86100C/86105D system allows engineers to test next-generation 16X Fibre Channel designs as well as today’s mainstream transceivers used in short-distance data communications, storage and long-distance telecommunication applications.

Advanced Jitter Analysis Software

To ensure that digital communications systems will approach error-free performance, engineers use data test patterns that mimic actual traffic. Some of these test patterns can be extremely long, which can be problematic for test instruments. Agilent’s 86100C Option 401 software enables engineers to analyze jitter on random and long data patterns, including PRBS 31. This capability makes it easier for engineers to test transmitters and construct test signals to verify receiver performance. Option 401 software uses an external PC to extract waveforms from the 86100C DCA. It allows engineers to separate jitter into random and deterministic components and estimate total jitter and eye contours to low probabilities.

Complex-Modulation Signal Analysis Software

When engineers who design long-haul telecommunications systems and components work to improve system capacity and span length, they may use complex modulation formats other than simple NRZ or RZ coding. New software for the 86100C DCA provides signal analysis capability for advanced optical communications technologies. Firmware revision 8.1 allows the analyzer to convert receiver outputs to I-Q diagrams, making it easier for engineers to visualize a receiver’s ability to detect complex modulation signals. Revision 8.1 also gives engineers the ability to measure the recently developed J2 and J9 parameters that are required by current data communications test standards to construct receiver test signals.

“The modular platform of the 86100C DCA continues to be a key asset to the optical communications industry,” said Scott Sampl, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s oscilloscopes business. “As new systems are defined, we provide timely hardware and software upgrades to give engineers the waveform measurement capabilities they need. Engineers are able to continue using the instrument they are familiar with to quickly meet their evolving measurement needs.”

Additional information about Agilent’s 86100C Series products can be found at www.agilent.com/find/86105D. Product images are available at www.agilent.com/find/86105D_images.

Background information about optical component and transceiver test and Agilent’s solutions is available at www.agilent.com/find/oct_backgrounder.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent 86105D module can be ordered beginning in April 2009 at a starting price of $41,500. Shipments will start in June 2009. 86100C Option 401, priced at $2,000, can be ordered beginning April 2009, with shipments in late April. 86100C firmware revision 8.1 is a free upgrade, available April 2009.
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 19,000 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.