Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced N1010A FlexDCA remote access software and the N1010A-SIM InfiniiSim-DCA waveform transformation toolset for the Agilent 86100C/D DCA (digital communications analyzer) family of wideband oscilloscopes. In addition to providing a powerful new user interface, FlexDCA offers de-embedding, embedding and virtual probing capabilities that help engineers characterize high-speed digital designs more thoroughly and with improved margins.

As data rates increase, fixtures and probes tend to degrade waveform fidelity and reduce measurement margins to a greater degree. Engineers often need to remove these unwanted effects to see the true performance of their devices during verification or compliance testing. Engineers also commonly need to measure a clean transmitter and simulate the signal at the output of a typical channel loss model. The N1010A-SIM InfiniiSim-DCA waveform transformation toolset allows engineers to perform both of these tasks quickly and accurately.

The PC-based N1010A FlexDCA remote access software provides:

• a new customizable user interface for scope, eye and jitter measurements;
• new measurements, including data-dependent pulse-width shrinkage, uncorrelated jitter and pre- and de-emphasis;
• improved accuracy and insight (using N1010A Option SIM);
• an advanced, graphical signal processing interface, which enables more sophisticated analysis capabilities and improved usability; and
• the ability to perform connected and offline measurements.

N1010A Option SIM InfiniiSim-DCA provides:

• de-embedding and embedding capability;
• improved accuracy and measurement margins;
• simultaneous display of measured and simulated waveforms; and
• scope, eye and jitter measurements on simulated signals.

To create accurate simulations, engineers need precision measurements, accurate models and robust waveform transformation algorithms. The 86100C/D DCA and N1010A FlexDCA software meets all three of these needs:

• The DCA-J combines high-bandwidth, low-noise and ultralow jitter acquisition hardware to yield extremely accurate measurements.
• N1010A Option SIM accepts a variety of models, including S-parameter files generated by the 54754A TDR/TDT module and 86100C-202 S-parameter software. S-parameter data may also be generated by VNAs or design software such as Agilent’s Advanced Design System. Models can also be defined using transmission line or RLC parameters.
• Waveform transformation is performed by calculating a transfer function between measured and simulated nodes. N1010A Option SIM uses proven algorithms that were leveraged from the Agilent N5465A InfiniiSim waveform transformation software designed for the 9000 Series and the 90000 Series real-time oscilloscopes.

“FlexDCA is another Agilent innovation that gives engineers the tools they need to tackle their tough design challenges when they are working with high-speed digital signals,” said Jay Alexander, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s oscilloscopes business. “N1010A FlexDCA and the 86100C/D provide a complete measurement and simulation solution that speeds time to market for new designs.”

Additional information about Agilent’s N1010A application is available at www.agilent.com/find/n1010a.

Agilent’s complete portfolio of oscilloscopes is available in a variety of form factors, from 20 MHz to 90 GHz, offering industry-leading performance and powerful applications.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent N1010A FlexDCA remote access software can be ordered now with prices starting at $500. The Agilent N1010A-SIM InfiniiSim-DCA waveform transformation software also can be ordered now with prices starting at $5,000. Complete systems with dual 20-GHz electrical channels start at $40,189.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 16,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2009. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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