Two of the X-Series signal analyzers from Agilent Technologies, the MXA and EXA models, have been given serious boosts in phase-noise performance and sweep speeds. The phase-noise-measurement enhancements, for example, impact testing of such devices as RF/microwave oscillators and frequency synthesizers, while the faster sweep speeds can accelerate the search for spurious signals in antenna arrays, amplifiers, and transmitters. In the MXA analyzers, the phase-noise performance has been improved by 10 dB for close-in measurements while the phase-noise performance for the EXA instruments is improved by 5 dB. The improvements in sweep speed, which can be as much as five times faster than competitive models, depend on the choice of resolution bandwidth for a given measurement. According to Jim Curran, Marketing Manager of Agilent’s Microwave Communications Division, “The MXA enhancements are an important complement to our recently introduced options for 160-MHz analysis bandwidth and real-time spectrum analysis. Together, these capabilities can help our customers ensure that their devices will transmit accurately and deliver excellent quality of service.” The company also announced new capabilities in three of the measurement applications available for X-Series signal analyzers. The N9069A noise figure measurement application now includes advanced features that support measurements of multistage converters, multipliers, and dividers. The base pricing for the MXA models range from $31,525 to $50,767, while the base pricing for the EXA signal analyzers spans $17,470 to $36,645.
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