IEEE 802.11n is an enhancement to the 802.11 wireless local-area-network (WLAN) standard. It is intended to increase transmission speeds to 108 Mbps and beyond, as well as to offer better operating range than current networks. A final approved standard is expected in the 2006-2007 timeframe. Analyzing an IEEE 802.11n MIMO signal is extremely challenging due to its being made of multiple orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signals that simultaneously transmit on the same frequency. Agilent's new Option B7Z provides an advanced troubleshooting and evaluation tool set specifically designed to address this challenge. It supports the existing IEEE 802.11n High Throughput (HT) draft specification -- 20- and 40-MHz channels -- as well as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM and 256QAM data sub-carrier modulation formats. Option B7Z provides developers with an advanced graphical user interface and a broad set of signal analysis measurements in addition to those pertaining to IEEE 802.11n MIMO modulation analysis. As a result, developers are now able to troubleshoot signals in early designs. Additionally, the ability to use Option B7Z on existing general-purpose test equipment, such as scopes, helps minimize cost and guarantees re-usability of any new hardware required. "With its exceptional levels of performance and flexibility, we expect this modulation analysis capability to fully support the needs of R&D developers working in the field of emerging communications," said Jim Litz, product marketing manager for Agilent's Signal Analysis Division. "In this increasingly challenging, dynamic and fast-paced market, the functionality and cost-savings enabled by Option B7Z provides users with the capabilities they need to stay ahead of the competition." The Agilent Option B7Z can be used with Agilent's Infiniium Series of digital scopes and the 89600 Series VXI-based analyzers, both of which are capable of supporting the simultaneous two-channel signal acquisition and analysis required for MIMO evaluation and troubleshooting. The Infiniium Series scopes feature up to 40 GSa/sec digitizing for measuring 802.11n signals directly (no down-conversion needed), analysis bandwidth as high as 13 GHz, dynamic range of 40+ dB and memory depth up to 64 MSa. The 89600 Series VXI-based analyzers offer up to 6 GHz of frequency range, better than 37 MHz analysis bandwidth, 70 dB of dynamic range and up to 1 GB of signal-capture memory. Both measurement platforms meet the IEEE 802.11n requirement for high-throughput formats, which specifies more than 36 MHz of signal bandwidth. U.S. Pricing and Availability The Agilent 89600 Option B7Z IEEE-802.11n MIMO modulation analysis software is available at a starting price of $9,000 (node-locked license). A floating license is available for $11,700. Information about Agilent's Option B7Z is available at www.agilent.com/find/89600. A photo of the product is available at www.agilent.com/find/MIMO_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 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.