Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced the industry’s highest performance HDMI 1.4a protocol analyzer and generator. This instrument allows designers and engineers to test their devices to ensure they meet the requirements of the HDMI compliance test specification 1.4a (CTS 1.4a).

HDMI is a compact interface for transmitting uncompressed data between digital audio/video sources such as DVD players and set-top boxes and other devices such as computer monitors and digital televisions. The HDMI 1.4 specification increased the resolution of supported devices to 4K x 2K and defined an interface for transmitting 3-D video signals. The 1.4a revision supports additional 3-D formats.

The Agilent U4998A directly replaces the Agilent N5998A, the reference high speed protocol analyzer, video timing analyzer, video picture analyzer, audio timing analyzer, and audio/video protocol generator for HDMI compliance tests required by the CTS. In addition, the U4998A AXIe-based module is the first instrument to support source and sink compliance testing up to the maximum transition modulated differential signaling data rates of 3.4 Gbps – essential to support 4K x2K resolution.

Integration with an offline viewer enables debug through a waveform or listing view, giving designers much more insight into captured data. The component object model interface enables faster testing through automation.

The U4998U-PSV passive monitoring upgrade for the U4998A delivers pass-through and mirror capabilities to help engineers debug source and sink issues effectively. The U4998A is compatible with Agilent’s M9502A two-slot and M9505A five-slot AXIe modular chassis and U4002A two-slot AMP modular chassis, which are designed for high-performance instrumentation.

“Agilent has been involved with HDMI testing since the standard was first established to help companies meet compliance testing requirements and address the challenges presented by this technology,” said Thomas Dippon, Agilent’s HDMI Program Manager. “We are committed to working with the authorized test centers to provide a complete and reliable test suite, which will ultimately help our customers build better products. Our involvement with the HDMI standards group and related workshops, plugfests and seminars enables Agilent to bring the right solutions to the market when our customers need them.”

“By introducing the industry’s highest performance HDMI 1.4a protocol analyzer and generator, we are helping our customers innovate and take advantage of the full capabilities of HDMI at rates up to 3.4 Gbps,” said Ross Nelson, General Manager of Agilent’s Digital Debug Solutions product line. “This AXIe module introduction, Agilent’s third in three months, highlights Agilent’s commitment to growing its AXIe solutions portfolio.”