Oscilloscope Probing System features 30 GHz bandwidth.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. May 10, 2010

Press Release Summary:

Offering real-time measurements, InfiniiMax III Probing System is available with 4 probe amplifier models with bandwidths from 16-30 GHz. Range of probe heads allows connection using browser, zero insertion force tip, 2.92 or 3.5 mm SMA cable, or solder-in tips. InfiniiMax III browser uses crisscross blade grounding system for low inductance grounding, poly-iron wrap of coax tips to minimize standing waves, and very-low parasitic replaceable resistor tips to achieve 30 GHz performance.

Original Press Release:

Agilent Technologies Introduces World's Fastest Oscilloscope Probing System with 30 GHz Bandwidth

Bandwidth-Upgradable Probes Enable Real-Time and Sampling Oscilloscope Measurements

SANTA CLARA, Calif., -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced the InfiniiMax III oscilloscope probing system with industry-leading bandwidth of 30 GHz. Four new probe amplifier models offer bandwidths from 16 to 30 GHz. A wide range of probe heads allows connection using a browser, ZIF (zero insertion force) tip, 2.92-mm or 3.5-mm SMA cable or solder-in tips. These probing solutions complement the new Infiniium 90000 X- Series oscilloscopes with their industry-leading bandwidth of 32 GHz.

"The InfiniiMax III probing system represents the convergence of new technologies, state-of-the-art design methodologies, and our experience from developing two generations of award-winning probe systems," said Mike McTigue, principal design engineer for the InfiniiMax III probing system and recent winner of Agilent's prestigious Bill Hewlett award for innovation. "This combination allows us to deliver breakthrough performance that was previously unimaginable."

Engineers working with high-energy physics, emerging wireline communication standards and high-speed serial data links, such as USB, SAS or PCI Express,(r) use oscilloscopes to capture fast, single-shot events and to make critical measurements like jitter, while ensuring compliance to industry standards for interoperability. With data rates in the next few years extending beyond 10 Gbps, engineers need oscilloscopes that can deliver higher-bandwidth measurements. The probing system is a critical part of the solution.

"It is very rare in the industry for a breakthrough probing system to be introduced at the same time as a breakthrough oscilloscope family," said Jay Alexander, vice president and general manager of Agilent's oscilloscopes business. "Customers told us they needed significant innovation in both areas and that is what we have delivered."

Agilent used a proprietary indium phosphide (InP) integrated circuit process and state-of-the-art thick film packaging technology to achieve breakthrough performance within tight geometric constraints. The InfiniiMax III browser uses a novel "crisscross" blade grounding system for lower inductance grounding, a poly-iron wrap of coax tips to reduce standing waves, and very-low parasitic replaceable resistor tips to achieve industry-leading 30-GHz performance.

In addition to offering the highest bandwidth, the new InfiniiMax III probing system enables:

the industry's most accurate real-time oscilloscope measurement system with the Infiniium 90000 X-Series oscilloscopes;

the industry's fastest full-featured sampling oscilloscope probing solutions to 30 GHz with the Infiniium 86100C DCA-J; and

the industry's first probing investment protection with bandwidth upgradability on probe amplifiers from 16 GHz to 30 GHz.

"Oscilloscopes are a core product category for Agilent," said Ron Nersesian, president and general manager of Agilent's Electronic Measurement Group. "In many cases, the quality of the oscilloscope measurement is directly related to the performance of the probing system, and Agilent has made significant investments in probing to go along with our sustained commitment to innovating in oscilloscopes."

Additional information on Agilent's new InfiniiMax III probing system is available at www.agilent.com/find/InfiniiMax3.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Agilent InfiniiMax III products can be ordered today at the prices listed below. Limited shipments will begin in July.

Model    Description         Bandwidth     Price

N2800A  Probe amplifier         16 GHz     $14,400

N2801A  Probe amplifier         20 GHz     $18,000

N2802A  Probe amplifier         25 GHz     $25,000

N2803A  Probe amplifier         30 GHz     $29,000

N5445A  Browser head            30 GHz     $4,000

N5439A  ZIF probe head          28 GHz     $3,000

N5444A  2.92/3.5-mm SMA head    28 GHz     $3,500

N5441A  Solder-in head          16 GHz     $850

N5477A  Sampling scope adapter  30 GHz     $4,000

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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