Agilent Technologies Introduces Next-Generation Wireless Communications Test Set

Agilent Technologies Introduces Next-Generation Wireless Communications Test Set Platform with Industry-Leading Speed, Unique Scalability.

Tuesday September 5, 11:00 am ET
Lower Cost of Test Available in Industry's Only Wireless Communications Test Set that Integrates an Open Windows(r) XP PC


PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2006--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A - News) today announced the availability of its next-generation wireless communications test set platform -- the ideal solution for calibrating mobile phones in high-volume manufacturing. It provides industry-leading measurement speed and integrity, as well as unique scalability -- all aimed at driving down manufacturing cost of test.

The Agilent E6601A is an integrated test system in one box. It features a built-in open Windows(r) XP PC, which allows test programs to be developed, downloaded and executed directly in the system -- eliminating the test-system PC and saving system space and cost. With a completely new measurement architecture designed for high-speed measurements and industry-leading accuracy, repeatability and measurement integrity, the Agilent E6601A significantly lowers the cost of mobile-phone manufacturing test. In addition, the product has been designed for optimal reliability and low cost of ownership.

A key feature of the E6601A test solution is its speed -- up to 30 percent faster than other solutions. New calibration applications for GSM/GPRS/EGPRS, WCDMA and HSDPA provide scalable, multi-format capability with only a software upgrade. An optional Fast Device Tune measurement provides breakthrough test-time improvements for mobile-phone calibration, up to 10x faster than traditional methods. Decreased test times directly reduce the cost of manufacturing calibration.

"With its accuracy, measurement integrity, speed and reliability, the E6601A is optimized to meet the needs of manufacturers calibrating wireless devices based on new and emerging wireless communications standards," said Earl Thompson, general manager for Agilent Technologies Wireless Division. "In addition to the initial calibration-focused solutions, we are planning future releases that will provide solutions focused on reducing test times in final test as well as emerging technologies and new test methodologies."

Agilent's E6601A also has flexible licensing options that enable users to effectively manage test assets and reduce capital equipment by purchasing the licensing option best suited to their manufacturing needs. Cost-effective term licenses make it easy to quickly respond to short-term needs for increased test capacity, while transportable licenses allow users to quickly rebalance test capacity. Flexible calibration application licenses are available for GSM/GPRS/EGPRS, WCDMA, HSDPA and Fast Device Tune measurements.

The E6601A integrated test system is the newest addition to the Agilent Wireless Communications Test Set product portfolio, which includes the 8960 Wireless Communications Test Set. As Agilent's flagship product, the 8960 continues to provide application solutions for wireless device R&D, conformance test, manufacturing, and service and support. Recent enhancements to the 8960 include the addition of key RF measurements for High-Speed Data Packet Access (HSDPA) wireless devices that conform to the 3GPP TS 34.12 specification, and 1xEVDO Release A, with plans to add solutions for 3.5G technologies in the future.

Together, Agilent's E6601A and 8960 Wireless Communications Test Sets provide engineers with more choices for optimizing high-volume wireless device manufacturing.

E6601A connectivity is possible via 100 based-T LAN, GPIB and six USB 2.0 ports.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent E6601A Wireless Communications Test Set platform is available now. Pricing is as follows:

E6601A Wireless Communications Test Set $27,100

GSM/GPRS Calibration Application $ 6,000

W-CDMA Calibration Application $ 6,000

Information about Agilent's E6601A Wireless Communications Test Set can be found at www.agilent.com/find/E6601A. A photo of the product is available at www.agilent.com/find/E6601_image.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A - News) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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Contact:
Agilent Technologies
Janet Smith, 970-679-5397
janet_smith@agilent.com