Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Agilent Technologies (A) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Going Short who wrote (76)	11/29/1999 9:48:00 AM
From: Going Short	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 620

Advanced Techniques Reduce Calibration Time up to 95 Percent Agilent Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard Company, today introduced the Agilent 87050E multiport test sets, which can dramatically improve throughput and accuracy when evaluating the performance of 50-ohm RF components on high-volume production lines. The new test sets are designed to work with the Agilent 8712E series network analyzers, and together the products offer a complete solution up to 3GHz for measuring devices with up to 12 ports. Full Device Characterization with a Single Connection The multiport test system allows all transmission paths and port reflection characteristics of a multiport device to be completely characterized with only a single set of connections to a device's ports. The system can reduce typical test times substantially by eliminating the need to constantly connect and reconnect components. The multiport test system is the only low-cost multiport test system with fully specified performance at the actual test ports, whether the device is measured in a fixture or at the ends of test cables. Fully specified performance allows manufacturers to tighten product specifications and to correlate test data taken from a large number of devices measured on multiple test systems. Reduced Calibration Time The test set system's two calibration routines reduce the downtime typically needed to calibrate multiport test sets. The test set cal routine saves time by requiring users to connect short, open, and load standards only once to each measurement port, and it reduces the number of through connections required to calibrate all possible measurement paths. The self cal routine performs automatic, periodic calibrations using the test set's internal calibration standards to correct system drift. The routine takes only a few seconds to run, thereby minimizing the impact on test procedures, and the user can program the interval between self cal operations. This ability to perform automatic calibration allows the process to be conducted more frequently, which reduces measurement uncertainty and variability between full calibrations. It also allows full calibration to be performed less often, usually only once per month, versus at least once per day with other systems. Typically, overall calibration times can be reduced by 95 percent. Integrated by the LAN The 87050E has an integrated local area network (LAN) interface that allows the measurement system to become part of a factory-wide Ethernet network using standard protocols such as ftp, http, bootp, telnet, sockets, and network file system (NFS). NFS capability allows test data to be stored directly in a remote PC or UNIX(R) directory for storage or analysis. The LAN interface enables users to transfer data to popular spreadsheet and word processing programs, update the test system with new IBASIC programs and instrument states, and print screen images on a network printer. Remote troubleshooting from anywhere on the network or over the Internet is enhanced by the test system's Web server, which allows users to view screen images, control the system via a virtual front panel, and send SCPI commands from an active command line. Custom Test Sets For higher frequency measurements, custom multiport test sets can be configured to 50GHz. Agilent offers a wide variety of connector types and switching arrangements, as well as internal couplers, attenuators, and other signal-conditioning components. U.S. Pricing and Availability Agilent 87050E multiport test sets range from $8,250 to $14,250. Agilent 8712E series RF network analyzers range from $9,750 to$22,250. The products are available now, and delivery is estimated at eight weeks from receipt of order. About Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies, as a subsidiary of HP, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent had net revenues of nearly $8 billion in fiscal year 1998. Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at agilent.com. Unix is a registered trademark of the Open Group PHOTO Caption: The Agilent 87050E multiport test set with an Agilent 8712E-series RF network analyzer is a complete test system that fully characterizes multiport devices with a single connection to each port.