Speedy analyser is made even faster

Signal source analyser features a tenfold improvement in measurement throughput and more precise analysis functions.Agilent Technologies has introduced an enhanced model of the world's fastest signal source analyser, the Agilent E5052A. It features a tenfold improvement in measurement throughput and more precise analysis functions than its predecessor, as well as the best performance in clock jitter measurement with the lowest jitter noise floor ever achieved with 100MHz offset frequency. Coupled with the world's fastest phase-noise performance, these features make the Agilent E5052B the ideal choice for designers and manufacturers of multigigabit-per-second datacommunications systems, signal source modules, signal generators, and systems used in the aerospace/defence, component, wireless and wireline markets.

The new Agilent E5052B 10MHz to 7GHz signal source analyser features a number of enhanced performance characteristics - such as wider offset-frequency ranges, lower local phase noise and longer memory - designed to increase its versatility.

With a phase-noise-analysis offset frequency range extended from 40 to 100MHz, for example, it now covers all major digital communication standards in standard test.

In addition, its maximum transient bandwidth in a wide mode has been extended from 25.6 to 80MHz, and it features more than 100 times longer memory.

The E5052B's frequency range can be extended up to 26.5GHz with the E5053A, and up to 110GHz with the E5053A plus Agilent 11970 Series mixers.

Other key enhancements to the Agilent E5052B include fast phase-noise performance and ultra-clean residual phase noise.

Its close-in residual phase noise has been improved by 16dB or more at 1Hz offset frequency.

Thanks to a digital delay-line technique, the phase-noise capture range has been expanded by 30dB for drifty oscillator test.

This functionality allows the E5052B to be used by aerospace/defence designers and manufacturers who are designing and testing high-quality signal sources for radar and satellites.

In addition to its enhanced performance characteristics, the Agilent E5052B signal source analyser flaunts a number of new features, including amplitude modulation (AM) and baseband (BB) measurement modes.

These modes provide more comprehensive and flexible real-time analysis of noise sources.

An optional precision clock jitter analysis capability, attainable via the Agilent E5001A jitter application software running on the E5052B, enables better usability.

'In the aerospace and defence and high-speed digital communications industries, measurement throughput and analysis accuracy are critical requirements', said Bob McClung, vice president and general manager of Agilent's component test division.

'With its industry-leading performance, functionality and versatility, the E5052B is a critical resource for designers and manufacturers who want traditional high-quality phase noise measurements such as VCO evaluation and PLL testing in emerging communications and aerospace and defence industries'.

The Agilent E5052B signal source analyser is suitable for use in a wide range of applications including RF, microwave and millimetre-wave oscillators, VCO test, system reference clocks, LAN modules, high-speed timing modules, serdes chips, high-speed data convertors, and design and manufacturing.

The Agilent E5052B signal source analyser will be available from 1st April 2007 at a starting price of US $79,000, the same price as the E5052A.

The optional E5001A SSA-J jitter application software enhancement is priced at $7000.