Measurement Journal Issue 6

Emerging Innovations • New software assesses microwave networks’ nonlinear behavior • Multiplay network testing capabilities on a single port EMERGING INNOVATIONS Agilent has upgraded the PNA-X microwave network analyzer with nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA) capabilities. The software converts a four-port PNA-X into a high-performance nonlinear analyzer and measures calibrated amplitude and cross-frequency relative phase of measured spectra from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. New features for nonlinear component characterization, nonlinear scattering parameters (X-parameters) and nonlinear pulse envelope domain capabilities were incorporated to help RF engineers and component designers accurately characterize the nonlinear behavior of active devices such as high-power ampliﬁers and frequency doublers. The N2X multiservice test system combines multiplay network test measurements for video, voice and data on the same port. Each test port can concurrently display real-time video media quality metrics and IPTV channel-zapping times along with voice mean opinion score (MOS) and data-forwarding measurements on a per-subscriber basis. The result is an accurate gauge of how the number and behavior of multiplay subscribers and a mix of service trafﬁc affects subscriber quality of experience (QoE). Another noteworthy enhancement to the N2X is the industry-ﬁrst ANCP/L2CP protocol emulation, which allows service providers and network equipment manufacturers to validate the topology-discovery and line-conﬁguration capabilities of ANCP-enabled routers and switches. • Form and function combine in new family of compact instruments Engineers who troubleshoot electronics products and processes outside the ofﬁce have new tools to make their jobs easier. Two oscilloscopes, a function generator, a source/measure unit and a switch matrix represent Agilent’s new U2700A family of USBbased modular instruments. Each device is about the size of a paperback book, allowing users to carry two or three devices in a briefcase along with their laptop PC. The 100- and 200-MHz oscilloscopes feature two channels, eight-bit sampling and 500 MSA per channel. The function generator provides six standard waveforms, while the three-channel source/measure unit offers four-quadrant capabilities for parametric tests. The instrument front panel is on the PC screen: the Agilent Measurement Manager (AMM) software provides a familiar, instrument-like interface for each of the modular devices. • First GC/MS library hits the market Agilent announced the first commercially-available gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) library for identifying metabolites. The Fiehn Metabolomics Retention Time Locked (RTL) Library, developed in cooperation with metabolomics scientist Oliver Fiehn, contains preprogrammed methods for further analyses. Additionally, data results can be imported into Agilent’s GeneSpring MS bioinformatics software for mass spectrometry, enabling users to compare large data sets for the discovery of metabolite biomarkers. The library complements Agilent’s METLIN personal metabolite database used for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. 5 Agilent Measurement Journal

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Measurement Journal Issue 6

Measurement Journal Issue 6 Using a Few Words to Convey a Deeply-Held Spirit Charting a Unique Path to Technology Innovation Contents Announcing First Commercial GC/MS Metabolites Library Assessing Nonlinear Behavior Testing Combines Form and Function Testing Multiplay Networks Higher Sensitivity LC/MS Easing Military Radio Test Stepping Up Calibration Accuracy Increasing Spectrum Analyzer Bandwidth 3GPP Tool Supports TS 36 Standards The Olympic Story Spotlights Agilent's Continuing Contribution to Technology Innovation Ensuring a Level Playing Field in Competitive Sports GPS: Coming of Age Resolving Design Issues in HSPA Mobile Devices Achieving Accurate Results with Oscilloscope-Based Jitter-Analysis Software RF Handheld Testers Guarantee Traffic Stability Under Olympic-Sized Stress Conditions Utilizing LAN-Based Instrumentation to Measure Total Harmonic Distortion in Remote Facilities IMT-Advanced: 4G Wireless Takes Shape in an Olympic Year EPO Doping: A Speed Engine, Turbo-Charged by Chemistry

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