PALO ALTO, Calif., 2 Nov. 2005. Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced it has been awarded a $19.73 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to provide Agilent microwave measuring receivers to the Air Force Metrology and Calibration Lab (AFMETCAL). Agilent also has received a $2.3 million contract to deliver low noise signal generators to the lab.
The microwave measuring receiver, which provides frequency coverage up to 50 GHz, will be used by AFMETCAL for calibrating signal generators and step attenuators to meet stringent government and commercial accuracy requirements. It also includes audio input and audio signal analysis capability.
The low noise signal generator is a reference source for the Agilent E5504B phase noise measurement system currently used by AFMETCAL. The low noise signal generator replaces the original system source, adding improved performance and the ability to measure close-in, low-level phase noise with greater accuracy. Software compatibility and tight integration with the phase noise measurement system will allow AFMETCAL to extend the life of its equipment cost-effectively.
For metrology and calibration applications, Agilent's microwave measuring receiver offers linearity accuracy of ±(0.009 dB + 0.005 dB/10 dB step) for level measurements, as well as exceptionally fast tuned RF level (TRFL) measurement speed and versatility. An integrated sensor module with a single input connection to 50 GHz is fully calibrated and traceable, which streamlines the calibration procedures and helps ensure measurement integrity.
The microwave measuring receiver meets or exceeds the performance levels of its predecessor, the industry-standard Agilent 8902A. Agilent expects the microwave measuring receiver to become the new industry standard for signal generator and attenuator calibration in this increasingly challenging area of test and measurement.
The low noise signal generator, which is based on the industry-standard Agilent E8257D PSG analog signal generator, delivers phase noise performance of -133 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier frequency.
Both products are backed by Agilent's technical support and will be available for commercial order in early 2006.
AFMETCAL is one of the world's foremost metrology and calibration laboratories. As manager of the Air Force Metrology Program, AFMETCAL develops and sustains precision measurement capabilities that ensure accurate, reliable and safe air and space system performance. It does this through a combination of world-class technology, engineering and calibration services. Core competencies of AFMETCAL include requirements validation, laboratory certification, metrology consultation and R&D, calibration procedures and services, and specialized measurements. AFMETCAL's air and space system performance requirements are distinguished by their traceability to national and international standards.
Agilent Technologies is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. For more information, see www.agilent.com.
