Agilent Technologies Inc. and Freescale Semiconductor announced results from a collaborative effort to expedite the development of ZigBee solutions. Agilent has enhanced the user-friendliness of its N4010A Wireless Connectivity Test Set, while Freescale has successfully streamlined the development and qualification of its newest ZigBee chipsets. ZigBee is a global specification for reliable, cost-effective, low power wireless applications based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard.


"The N4010A test set allowed us to efficiently test our chipset platform to the standards set by the ZigBee Alliance," said Brett Black, commercial wireless manager with Freescale. "We obtained accurate, repeatable measurements that allowed us to quickly ensure the device's performance and finalize the chipset design in time to meet market demand."

"We believe that creating a test solution requires a close association with the industry leaders that are developing the latest products," said Earl Thompson, vice president and general manager with Agilent's Wireless Division. "Freescale is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for many markets, including ZigBee. We're proud that our N4010A has contributed to its chipset platform development."

The Agilent N4010A, used in conjunction with the 89601A Vector Signal Analyzer software, provides a full range of modulated results for all IEEE 802.15.4 tests. These tools also provide analysis capabilities for evaluating other 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity technologies, such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth EDR and WLAN standards. In addition, the use of the Agilent 93000 RF Test System for wafer test ensures continuity of results. Freescale plans to utilize this high performance equipment as its ZigBee devices move into the production phase.