Lightwave Component Analyzer features NIST traceability.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. Oct 12, 2005

Press Release Summary:

Designed for passive optical networks as well as high-speed telecommunications and computer networks, Model N4373A LCA features NIST-traceable opto-electrical converters at wavelengths of 850, 1,310, and 1,550 nm for optical interfaces, in addition to differential and single-ended electrical interfaces for 3, 8.5, 20, and 67.5 GHz. Unit provides analysis for all network component categories such as laser drivers, amplifiers, transmitters, optical modulators, and photodiodes.

Original Press Release:

Agilent Technologies Introduces Fastest, Most Versatile Lightwave Component Analyzer for Testing High-Speed Electro-Optical Components

Tester accelerates broadband infrastructure build-out, lowers design and manufacturing costs of high-performance network components

GLASGOW, Scotland, ECOC 2005, Booth No. 247, Sept. 26, 2005

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced a lightwave component analyzer that sets a new benchmark in optimized frequency-response characterization of key photonic components. Designed for emerging applications such as passive optical networks (CATV), 10GE and 40G in high-speed telecommunications and computer networks, the Agilent N4373A LCA offers industry-leading versatility, measurement speed and reliability.

Research and development engineers will benefit from the LCA's versatility and the specified measurement that delivers improved production yield by low measurement uncertainty through specified NIST traceability. This leads to lower investment costs and the faster development cycles and time-to-market necessary to meet today's challenges in broadband and access networks.

Manufacturing and support engineers will immediately see increased production yield and throughput due to the measurement speed, specified analysis results and industry-leading product reliability - all of which lead to minimizing overall test costs.

The N4373A LCA extends Agilent's portfolio with NIST-traceable opto-electrical converters at wavelengths of 850 nm (multimode), 1310 nm and 1550 nm (single-mode) for optical interfaces; and with differential and single-ended electrical interfaces for 3 GHz, 8.5 GHz, 20 GHz or even up to 67.5 GHz. A single product solution provides analysis for all network component categories (E/O, O/E and O/O) such as laser drivers, amplifiers, lasers, transmitters, optical modulators, photodiodes and optical passive components. The analyzer offers by special probe calibration features for testing these components over the full product life cycle, from wafer to subassembly status.

The linear transmission and reflection characteristics measurements are based on Agilent's industry-leading network analyzer families, providing full S-parameter analysis with calibration up to the probing pins.

Benefits of the Agilent N4373A include:
4x faster measurement speed than previous solution.
40dB more sensitive conversion efficiency measurement.
Standardization of uncertainty by NIST traceability.
On-chip testing with 2dB better relative accuracy.

"The Agilent N4373A LCA is the enabling test tool for driving the economics and acceleration of the broadband infrastructure build-out at low cost," said Werner Berkel, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Photonic Measurement Division. "As the most versatile and fastest of its kind, the new lightwave component analyzer enables high-performance network component manufacturers to focus on fast, innovative product development and cost-effective production."

The LCA will be demonstrated for the first time here at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) today through Sept. 28.

U.S Pricing and Availability
The Agilent N4373A lightwave component analyzer is available now at a starting price of $80,000. More information about the Agilent N4373A is available at www.agilent.com/comms/octsolutions. Photos of the product are available at www.agilent.com/find/lca_image.

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 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.

Contact:
Janet Smith
+1 970 679 5397
janet_smith@agilent.com