Agilent Debuts Real-Time MXA, Adds Envelope Tracking Software

June 4, 2013. Agilent Technologies today announced significant enhancements to its midrange N9020A MXA X-Series signal analyzer. The company also introduced two software releases that support the design and verification of envelope tracking.

New options for 160-MHz analysis bandwidth and real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) capability address the challenges of measuring interference in the next generation of heterogeneous wireless networks.

The options can be included in new MXAs or added to existing units. The RTSA option is one-seventh the cost of a single-purpose real-time analyzer.

With increased deployment of small cells and wireless LANs, there is a greater likelihood of unwanted signal interaction in the RF spectrum. For developers, real-time spectrum analysis is a powerful tool for capturing and analyzing highly elusive signals. Agilent’s MXA with the RTSA option delivers 160-MHz real-time bandwidth and the industry’s fastest overlap processing. The combination enables accurate triggering on short-duration transients. In addition, the signal analyzer’s frequency-mask trigger and various real-time displays help users pinpoint intermittent interference problems.

“These updates to the MXA make it an indispensable tool for wireless engineers trying to understand and resolve what’s happening inside signal-rich systems or environments,” said Andy Botka, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Microwave Communications Division. “As manufacturers seek to maximize channel capacity, the functionality and performance of the MXA will help them ensure that their devices are transmitting accurately and without unwanted interference.”

On measurements up to 26.5 GHz, the MXA now offers analysis bandwidths of 85, 125, and 160 MHz, all of which are available as upgrades to existing units. The 160-MHz option meets the requirements of 802.11ac wireless LAN and LTE-Advanced specifications, both of which use wider transmission bandwidths to satisfy ever-increasing demand for data. The MXA’s ability to capture signals within a 160-MHz bandwidth with 72 dBc of spurious-free dynamic range enables users to rapidly characterize small signals near large ones.

For deeper analysis, the real-time MXA also works with Agilent 89600 VSA software. This combination enables users to thoroughly demodulate and characterize highly complex signals.

The starting price of a new N9020A MXA signal analyzer with the RTSA option for 160-MHz real-time bandwidth is $70,900. www.agilent.com/find/MXA.

Agilent also announced two software releases that support the design and verification of envelope tracking, a technique that improves the efficiency and linearity of power amplifiers used in mobile handsets. New capabilities available in Agilent Signal Studio software and Agilent 89600 VSA software will help developers quickly optimize their envelope-tracking implementations.

In Signal Studio for LTE/LTE-Advanced (FDD or TDD), developers can now define and optimize test stimuli for power amplifiers using envelope waveforms based on the LTE in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) signal. In addition, the crucial timing alignment between envelope and I/Q can be achieved with picosecond resolution and real-time adjustments. For playback during testing, Signal Studio can download the resulting waveforms to Agilent’s X-Series signal generators and 33500 Series waveform generators.

The latest release of Agilent 89600 VSA software can provide simultaneous envelope and RF analysis, enabling users to characterize and optimize envelope-shaping curves and time alignment. New features include stimulus/response functions with automatic time, amplitude and phase compensation, which simplify power amplifier measurements such as AM/AM, AM/PM and gain compression. Through compatibility with Agilent X-Series signal analyzers and Infiniium oscilloscopes, the software helps users achieve deeper insights into the performance of their envelope-tracking designs.

“By providing advanced signal-creation and analysis in the RF/physical layer, Agilent Signal Studio and 89600 VSA software can help developers thoroughly manage and understand signal behavior inside their latest designs,” said Botka.“The new releases further illustrate our drive to deliver first-to-market capabilities that accelerate wireless communications.”

Agilent has also added functionality to its 89600 WLA software for analysis of LTE user equipment and base stations. In normal closed-loop operation, LTE UE and base stations form a complex, tightly coupled link. Agilent 89600 WLA software now provides simultaneous uplink and downlink analysis, making it easier for users to verify behavior and troubleshoot problems. New charting functions and enhanced sorting capabilities also make it easier to understand message sequences and correlate RF phenomena.

All of the new releases are available now worldwide. Pricing is as follows:

Agilent Signal Studio

• N7624B-JFP Basic LTE-Advanced FDD R10, fixed, perpetual license: $2,228

• N7625B-JFP Basic LTE-Advanced TDD R10, fixed, perpetual license: $2,228

Agilent 89600 VSA software

• 89601B-200 Basic vector signal analysis, transportable license: $8,396

Agilent 89600 WLA software

• 89620B LTE wireless link analysis, transportable license: $6,142