Agilent PXIe Vector Signal Analyzer Speeds Manufacturing Test
August 27, 2013. Agilent Technologies Inc. today introduced the M9391A, a 1-MHz to 3- or 6-GHz PXIe vector signal analyzer, with up to 160-MHz bandwidth designed to test the latest wireless standards. Used in combination with Agilent’s modular X-series applications, the M9391A delivers a consistent user interface, common measurement consistency, and backward-compatible APIs to accelerate test development and throughput.
The M9391A is a complementary product to the M9381A PXIe VSG for testing and design validation of wireless power amplifiers, transceivers, and cellular base stations, primarily picocell and femtocell. The new analyzer performs more tests in less time, significantly reducing costs. It features Fastune technology, which enables unprecedented servo-loop test times through rapid frequency and amplitude adjustments. Plus, its hardware-accelerated power measurements maximize throughput while retaining measurement integrity.
Agilent Fastune is an electrical power and radio frequency switching technology that uses digital baseband power-level changes and frequency offsets (while maintaining amplitude and phase-calibrated accuracy) to provide the speed and accuracy needed to reduce the cost of testing modern communication equipment during manufacturing.
“The new PXIe vector signal analyzer has impressed customers with its easy programmability and seamless integration into their existing test systems,” said Mario Narduzzi, modular solutions marketing manager of Agilent’s Software and Modular Solutions Division. “Once they witness this significant increase in overall test throughput for power amplifier manufacturing test applications, this solution is an obvious choice.”
Agilent X-Series measurement applications for modular instruments support a common set of standard measurements for wireless communications signals. By using X-Series software with the new PXI VSA, engineers can increase measurement speed while ensuring code compatibility and measurement continuity. X-series measurement applications enable the testing of major wireless communications and connectivity formats, such as LTE, GSM, W-CDMA, and 802.11ac right from the start, and they ensure easy access to emerging standards without returning or replacing hardware.
Engineers can use the Agilent M9391A PXIe VSA with the M9381A and modular X-Apps to test wideband power amplifiers, front-end modules, transceivers, and more. The PXI VSA comes with 40-MHz RF bandwidth and can be upgraded to 100- or 160-MHz bandwidth supporting extremely fast modulation analysis by real-time hardware resampling. The hardware is license-key upgradeable to adapt to new and changing requirements.
Agilent’s calibration core-exchange strategy maximizes system uptime by providing fast repairs. In addition Agilent offers one-day start-up assistance and a standard three-year return-to-Agilent warranty as part of the standard product.
The M9391A PXIe vector signal analyzer is the latest addition to Agilent’s growing lineup of PXI and AXIe modular products.
Available now, the Agilent M9391A PXIe vector signal analyzer consists of the M9350A downconverter, M9301A synthesizer, M9300A frequency reference, and M9214A digitizer. The base configuration sells for $25,215. License-key software upgrades are available for increased analysis bandwidth, frequency range, memory, and faster switching. Four PXI VSAs can be housed in a single 18-slot PXI chassis.