Agilent Technologies' DCA-J Firmware Update Runs MATLAB(r) Scripts, Directly Calculates Performance Parameters

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced a firmware update for its 86100C DCA-J that allows R&D engineers to run MATLAB(r) scripts and directly calculate Transmitter Waveform Dispersion Penalty and other performance parameters without external processing. Such a direct link saves time by displaying live numerical results to gain insight into devices more quickly. Processing waveforms within the instrument accelerates product design and verification cycles.

Transmitter Waveform Dispersion Penalty (TWDP) is a compliance measurement methodology -- adopted by IEEE 802.3aq 10G Ethernet (LRM) and considered by 8G Fibre Channel -- that quantifies transmitter performance for systems using dispersive channels and equalizing receivers. The Agilent 86100C DCA-J with option 201 and the updated firmware, Revision 8.0, sends live oscilloscope waveforms to MATLAB where the analysis occurs.

"Due to schedule pressures, engineers have always wanted to accelerate measurement analyses," said Jay Alexander, vice president and general manager of Agilent's oscilloscope business. "Option 201 on the DCA-J gives them a powerful tool to get custom results right on the spot."

Benefits of the 86100C DCA-J, option 201 include:

• faster development cycles -- waveforms can be analyzed within the instrument, saving time to transfer the data and process it offline; and

• Better insights to improve designs -- customers can use any MATLAB script from any standard, or completely write their own in order to get the answers they want.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent 86100C DCA-J with option 201 is available today; the Revision 8.0 firmware update will be available June 2008 on http://www.agilent.com/find/dcaj.

Pricing for a typical configuration starts at $97,000. Required options include the Agilent 86100C DCA-J with options 001 and 201, Agilent 86105C option 200 or 300; and Agilent 86107A option 010.

Customers need to acquire MATLAB separately as well as provide the TWDP or other code, as needed for their application.

Images of the Agilent 86100C DCA-J are available at http://www.agilent.com/find/option201_images.

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 revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2007. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at http://www.agilent.com.