Agilent Technologies introduces next-generation vector signal analysis software

12/15/2010

Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced the next generation of its 89600 Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software. The new 89600B software provides R&D engineers performing signal and modulation analysis with a window into what's happening inside their complex wireless devices. With views of virtually every facet of a signal, the VSA tool lets designers see the "why" behind signal interactions, making it is easier and faster to find and fix their toughest signal problems.

The 89600B VSA software measures more than 70 signal standards and modulation types covering a range of applications (e.g., mobile communications, wireless connectivity, military communications, satellite communications, and more). Furthermore, Agilent has a track record of being first-to-market with test and measurement solutions for emerging communications. These solutions help wireless engineers test today's signals, while ensuring they are ready for tomorrow's standards and modulation schemes. The software's advanced 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.

"As a demonstrated leader in VSA software, Agilent has consistently innovated the 89600 offering since its introduction 10 years ago," said Guy Sene, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Microwave and Communications Division. "As a leading measurement company, we continually work to provide our customers with the tools they need and demand. The 89600B is ahead of today's wireless signal technology and designed to handle tomorrow's more complex signals."

Agilent's 89600B VSA software provides simultaneous views of virtually every facet of complex wireless signals. This critical information enables engineers to achieve the clarity needed to find the root cause of signal problems. Specific 89600B features that allow engineers to achieve this outcome include the following.

• A 20:20 trace/marker capability - helps pinpoint problems with arbitrary arrangement, sizing and assignment of up to 20 measurement traces at once. Signal performance is evaluated with up to 20 markers per trace and trace-to-trace coupling. These capabilities mean engineers can create and change a view to meet their needs.
• Multi-domain digital persistence and cumulative history displays - help capture and analyze short-lived signal events. The digital persistence display and its trace shadow features aid analysis of repeated transients in R&D. The cumulative history trace is color-coded based on frequency of event occurrence and supports longer-term capture and analysis of infrequent or random events. Both new traces work in the frequency, time and modulation domains.
• Custom OFDM analysis - enables analysis of proprietary or pre-standard signals. Users configure the 89600B's proven OFDM analysis tools using a straightforward file and menu-based approach to signal parameter entry, eliminating the "is this measurement right?" question often created with custom tools.
• Enhanced LTE analysis - supports the evolving LTE standard. Engineers can now view pre-antenna beam forming signals, evaluate the lobes and nulls of the composite signal and compare them to antenna-range tests with a new antenna-pattern trace.

The Agilent 89600B software runs on a PC or inside PC-based instruments. The software works with spectrum analyzers, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and modular instrument systems, as well as simulation software. With this flexibility, engineers can evaluate signals anywhere in their block diagram including analog and digital baseband; IF, RF and microwave; narrowband to ultra-wideband; SISO; and MIMO.

In system applications, the software can be controlled via the familiar remote SCPI programming language -- as well as.NET and .COM.

Agilent's new 89600B replaces the existing 89600 VSA software.

More information about the 89600B VSA software is available at www.agilent.com/find/89600B.

Agilent Technologies Inc., www.agilent.com