Analyzer provides 8X fibre channel compliance testing.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. Mar 23, 2005

Press Release Summary:

Utilizing Model 86105C broad-wavelength multi-rate optical module and Model 83496A multi-rate clock recovery module, Infiniium digital communications analyzer, Model 86100C offers 8X Fibre Channel measurement. Model 86105C tests all Fibre Channel devices or all common data rates from 155 Mb/s to 11.3 Gb/s over 750-1,650 nm wavelengths. Model 83496A functions as Golden PLL by setting loop bandwidth to exact value required for any data rate within operating range.

Original Press Release:

Agilent Technologies Introduces Industry-First Solution for 8X Fibre Channel Compliance Testing

New Option for Agilent Optical Module Combined with Clock Recovery Module Tests All Fibre Channel Rates with High Measurement Accuracy

ANAHEIM, Calif., OFC/NFOEC, March 7, 2005, Booth No. 2901 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the industry's first 8X Fibre Channel measurement capability, using the 86105C high-sensitivity, broad-wavelength multi-rate optical module and 83496A multi-rate clock recovery module for the 86100C Infiniium digital communications analyzer (DCA-J). Now optical and electrical component and system designers in high-speed digital communications can achieve higher measurement accuracy and increased performance margins in industry-standard compliance testing.

In today's competitive environment, developers and manufacturers must be able to distinguish true product performance from instrumentation uncertainties. With the widest range of telecom/datacom transmission rates and lowest intrinsic jitter in the industry, the combination of the 86105C and 83496A provides superior test-system flexibility and coverage for new rates as they emerge. In addition, the 83496A's wideband compliant clock recovery allows designers to perform standards-compliant measurement from the start, reducing uncertainty and speeding time to market.

"The new 8X Fibre Channel capabilities in these two modules represent a solution without compromise to test 4G Fibre Channel, and many other technologies, with unprecedented confidence in measurement accuracy and repeatability," said Siegfried Gross, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Digital Verification Solutions Division. "Agilent's new solution is also capable of testing new technologies as they emerge, such as 8G Fibre Channel."

The 86105C can test all Fibre Channel devices or all common data rates from 155 Mb/s to 11.3 Gb/s over all wavelengths from 750 nm to 1650 nm. This ability provides nearly instantaneous transition to a new measurement setup when different products must be tested.

The 83496A can function as a Golden PLL by setting the loop bandwidth to the exact value required for any data rate within its operating range, making it a key component for standards-compliant jitter tests. Its unique, wideband compliant clock recovery makes the 83496A ideal for jitter compliance tests across a wide range of industry standards. Its ultra-low jitter performance removes the limitations of traditional test equipment, allowing designers to measure the true jitter of devices.

The Agilent 83496A clock recovery module sets new standards for flexibility, precision and accuracy:
o Ability to extract the clock and analyze complex waveforms for 1X, 2X, 4X, 8X and 10X Fibre Channel in one set of modules
o Less than 300 femtoseconds rms jitter results in negligible residual jitter of the output clock and precise measurements of very low levels of signal jitter
o Tunable loop bandwidth for clock recovery from 30 kHz to 6 MHz allows configuration as a Golden PLL with optimal loop bandwidth for accurate, industry-standard compliance testing

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Agilent 86105C and 83496A are available for order now. The 86105C starts at $26,500, and the 83496A starts at $18,000. The 83496A and the additional 8X Fibre Channel option for the 86105C are expected to ship in April 2005. Pricing for the Infiniium DCA-J oscilloscope mainframe starts at $17,500.

Further information is available at www.agilent.com/find/dca. Product photos are available at www.agilent.com/find/86105C_image and www.agilent.com/find/83496A_image.

About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.