Agilent Technologies Inc. has recently announced the addition of the 2 and 4 port, 20 GHz option to its ENA network analyzers, as well as the introduction of a new E5092A configurable multiport test set. The new offerings bring best-in-class RF performance over a wide frequency range, fast measurement speed and multiport measurement capability to the ENA network analyzers. They also increase productivity, reduce cost of testing and are ideal for designers and manufacturers of passive. components used in consumer-based wireless communications applications.

Agilent's new 20 GHz option extends the 8.5 GHz frequency range of the E5071C ENA Series network analyzer up to 20 GHz. The option is designed for engineers requiring fast, basic 20-GHz vector network analysis with high quality at an affordable price. It is used to evaluate a wide range of components, such as the third harmonics of passive components in WLAN, WiMAX™, UWB or any 4G technology that uses carrier frequency up to 6 GHz. Covering such a wide frequency range and featuring the fastest measurement speed in its class, it significantly reduces the production line's cost of test. The new 20 GHz option supports both 2-port (Opt. 2K5) and 4-port (Opt. 4K5) configurations. It is available as an easy upgrade to all existing E5071C port number and frequency range options — a key feature in safe guarding the user's investment.

The Agilent E5092A configurable multiport test set — a replacement of the existing E5091A solution — is used to evaluate multiport devices for front-end modules in cellular handsets or WLAN devices, and other multiport devices (e.g., SPnT switches, cables/connectors, and phased array antennas). It works with the ENA network analyzers to provide frequency coverage up to 20 GHz. The E5092A provides 10-port full crossbar measurements, or up to 22-port measurements, thereby supporting a larger number of ports than other similar solutions. Its flexible measurement configuration accommodates a range of individual test needs. As an added benefit, the E5092A can be used with the Measurement Wizard Assistant software (E5071C-790) to dramatically simplify complex system setups and increase measurement productivity.

Agilent's new ENA Series' 20 GHz option and E5092A configurable multiport test set feature a user interface and programming commands that are compatible with existing ENA Series' solutions, including the multiport test set. Such functionality further secures the engineers' software investment.

"The new 20 GHz option and configurable multiport test set are the latest in a series of features that today make the ENA network analyzers the de-facto standard in RF network analysis," said Gregg Peters, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Component Test Division. "Extending the ENA Series' frequency range and enhancing its multiport test capabilities reaffirms our commitment to deliver industry-leading measurement solutions with the best performance for the cost to support new and emerging consumer-based applications in wireless communications."

The Agilent ENA network analyzers offer a wealth of network analysis solutions, ranging from very low-cost, basic S-parameter measurements to advanced multiport and balanced measurements. The standard ENA analyzers (e.g., E5071C) expand network analysis with advanced features, while the lower cost ENA-L analyzers (e.g., E5061A or E5062A) provide basic S-parameter measurements with an integrated 50 or 75 ohm test set.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent E5071C 20 GHz option and E5092A configurable multiport test set are now available. Pricing is as follows:

    • E5071C-2K5 - 2-port, 300 kHz to 20 GHz - $56,485

    • E5071C-4K5 - 4-port, 300 kHz to 20 GHz - $66,755

    • E5092A - Configurable multiport test set - $33,583

More information about Agilent's new ENA Series measurement options can be found at www.agilent.com/find/ena.