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Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A)
recently announced a USB-powered, single-pole double-throw coaxial switch,
operating from DC to 18 GHz. The first-to-market microwave switch driven by a
USB port, the Agilent U1810B will provide system-design
and manufacturing engineers a long-operating-life solution with convenient RF
switching.
Agilent's U1810B USB coaxial switch
will support the standard plug-and-play functionality of typical USB devices,
eliminating the need for additional power adapters or drivers, and simplifying
setup. A button on the switch will enable users to toggle the signal path
between two output ports without using the software interface. These new
capabilities will help engineers design switch matrices for telecommunications
and electronics/semiconductor manufacturing applications.
Similar to Agilent's other microwave
switches, the U1810B will deliver excellent performance: guaranteed
5-million-cycle operating life (though users can expect 10 million cycles to be
typical), and guaranteed 0.03 dB insertion loss repeatability. The long
operating life will help reduce the cost of test and ensures reliability of the
test system throughout its life. The switch's exceptional insertion loss
repeatability will help minimize system measurement uncertainty, while
maximizing test throughput.
"Excellent RF characteristics,
simplicity and flexibility are key features today's engineers look for in a
test system," said Keng-Boon Oh, general manager of Agilent's Microwave
Test Accessories Operation. "Our new U1810B presents a unique combination
of outstanding RF performance and convenient USB connectivity, making it well
suited for system design and manufacturing test engineers in communications and
component test."
The U1810B's front panel provides an
alternative software control interface. Users will also be able to control the
switch using various software platforms such as C, LabVIEW or VEE.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700
employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues
of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.