Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the introduction of the N9030A PXA signal analyser, the highest-performance member of the Agilent X-Series signal analysers. The PXA provides frequency coverage up to 26.5 GHz and ensures present and future flexibility through optional measurement capabilities and hardware expandability. The analyser also includes extensive code-compatibility features that make existing Agilent or HP high-performance signal analysers easier to replace.
The Agilent PXA delivers exceptional performance that reduces measurement uncertainty and reveals new levels of signal detail, starting with up to 75 dB spurious-free dynamic range at 140 MHz analysis bandwidth. Specifications include –128 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 kHz offset (1 GHz), 0.19 dB absolute amplitude accuracy, and sensitivity of –172 dBm displayed average noise level (DANL) at 2 GHz (with preamplifier and Noise Floor Extension technology).
The flexibility of the PXA begins with built-in one-button measurements and optional advanced measurement applications. Based on proven algorithms, the library of X-Series measurement applications ensures consistent results when transitioning from legacy or current-generation analysers. The applications are also transportable across many of the Agilent X-Series, which includes the PXA, MXA, EXA and CXA signal. For greater flexibility, the Agilent 89600 vector signal analysis (VSA) software can run inside the instrument, providing advanced analysis of more than 70 demodulation formats.
“In real-world signal analysis, the ability to keep test assets up to date equals success,” said Guy Séné, Vice President and General Manager, Agilent’s Microwave & Communications Division. “The PXA provides that ability today and tomorrow with architecture that supports new measurement applications, future hardware add-ons, wider analysis bandwidths, and possible upgrades to the instrument CPU, memory, disk drives and I/O ports.”
For those looking to easily refresh or replace existing test systems, the PXA is a form, fit and function replacement for a variety of widely used spectrum analysers: HP 8566 and 8568; HP/Agilent 856x; and Agilent PSA (up to 26.5 GHz). Key features include code compatibility; emulation of remote programming language; default settings, timings and couplings; arbitrary and second IF output; fast-rise time logarithmic video output; and Y-axis output.
MATLAB® data analysis software is available as an Agilent option -- directly from Agilent -- on all X-Series signal analysers. These packages enable users to make application-specific measurements and test modulation schemes, and develop their own customized applications using live signal analyser data. The Agilent CXA and PXA are the first signal analysers to offer MATLAB software at introduction.
The PXA is the flagship of the Agilent X-Series signal analysers. The X-Series is an evolutionary approach to signal analysis that spans instruments, measurements and software. It provides the flexibility to address business and technical requirements across multiple products and programs -- now and in the future. The X-Series also provides a consistent framework for signal analysis, enabling teams and their projects to move at a faster pace.
