SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2006 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced its family of six new microwave synthetic instruments (SI), the highest-performing synthetic instruments available today, are now volume shipping. Agilent's SI product line is designed to support the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) NxTest objectives for synthetic instruments. Agilent's synthetic instruments are flexible, modular and LXI (LAN eXtension for Instruments)-Class A certified. The SI common system architecture enables the DoD's prime contractors to design scalable automated test systems (ATS), giving them the flexibility to insert technology and transform the ATS to accommodate new measurement applications. The reusability of modules in different measurement scenarios reduces the total lifetime costs of the ATS and provides obsolescence protection. "Agilent's family of synthetic instruments delivers our proven microwave technology and superior measurement capabilities embedded in high-performance instruments," said Tom Burrell, vice president of Agilent's Signal Networks Division. "Agilent has a proven history of delivering reliable and robust hardware solutions and a long, trusted service relationship -- which is a requirement for the military ATE programs." These new synthetic instrument modules are available just in time for the Navy's next generation Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS), sometimes referred to as eCASS. Agilent has been supporting the U.S. Navy's current CASS program since 1988 and will continue providing support to 2015. The next generation CASS will likely require performance beyond the existing CASS specifications with a support life of an additional 25 years. Agilent is prepared to support this need. CASS is a high-performance, standardized test environment that is used onboard aircraft carriers and at other locations to test and maintain Navy aircraft electronics. For further information on CASS station test capabilities, see www.acq.osd.mil/ats. Additional Information All six synthetic instrument modules, shipping now, are priced from $8,500 to $100,000, depending on selected options. Detailed product information is available at www.agilent.com/find/synthetic. Product images are available at www.agilent.com/find/syntheticinstruments_images. The LXI standard can be found at www.lxistandard.org. The Agilent Synthetic Instruments are part of the Agilent Open program, described at www.agilent.com/find/open.