Agilent Technologies Inc. announced it has been awarded a $19.73 M contract by the US Air Force to provide Agilent microwave measuring receivers to the Air Force Metrology and Calibration Lab (AFMETCAL). Agilent also has received a $2.3 M contract to deliver low noise signal generators to the lab.
The microwave measuring receiver, which provides frequency coverage up to 50 GHz, will be used by AFMETCAL for calibrating signal generators and step attenuators to meet stringent government and commercial accuracy requirements. It also includes audio input and audio signal analysis capability.
The low noise signal generator is a reference source for the Agilent E5504B phase noise measurement system currently used by AFMETCAL. The low noise signal generator replaces the original system source, adding improved performance and the ability to measure close-in, low level phase noise with greater accuracy. Software compatibility and tight integration with the phase noise measurement system will allow AFMETCAL to cost effectively extend the life of its equipment.
For metrology and calibration applications, Agilent's microwave measuring receiver offers linearity accuracy of ±0.009 dB + 0.005 dB/10 dB step for level measurements, as well as exceptionally fast tuned RF level (TRFL) measurement speed and versatility. An integrated sensor module with a single input connection to 50 GHz is fully calibrated and traceable, which streamlines the calibration procedures and helps ensure measurement integrity.
The microwave measuring receiver meets or exceeds the performance levels of its predecessor, the 8902A. Agilent expects the microwave measuring receiver to become the new industry standard for signal generator and attenuator calibration in this increasingly challenging area of test and measurement.
The low noise signal generator, which is based on the industry-standard Agilent E8257D PSG analog signal generator, delivers phase noise performance of -133 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier frequency. Both products are backed by Agilent's technical support and will be available for commercial order in early 2006.