Agilent debuts DigRF logic-analyzer probes

The N4850A digital-acquisition probe and the N4860A digital-stimulus probe support cross-domain measurements for the design, validation, and integration of 2.5G and 3G baseband and RF ICs that comply with the DigRF v3 standard, which defines a 312-Mbps serial digital interface between RF and baseband ICs in cell phones.

The new probes work with an Agilent 16800 or 16900 logic analyzer. The acquisition probe requires a 68-channel (minimum) instrument and comes with differential flying leads that permit probing close to the signal source while maintaining signal integrity. The stimulus probe supports SMA cables as well as flying leads.

Using the tools, handset integration teams can evaluate product behavior by monitoring the digital serial bit stream between an RF IC and a baseband IC. Adding Agilent’s 89601A digital vector-signal-analysis package to the logic analyzer provides the ability to perform digital I/Q analysis.

In addition, RF IC development teams can evaluate their components independent of the baseband IC. For transmitter evaluation, designers can create signals using Agilent’s Signal Studio software and load them into the logic analyzer to stimulate the RF chip’s DigRF v3 interface. Designers can capture the resulting RF signal with an N9020A signal analyzer.

For receiver evaluation, an E4438C ESG vector signal generator can stimulate the RF IC. The digital-acquisition probe can acquire the digital I/Q that the RF IC generates for subsequent vector signal analysis.

Baseband IC designers can also use the tools to evaluate their chips independent of an RF chip. Validation teams can use the N4850A acquisition probe to analyze transmitted DigRF v3 control and data traffic. A protocol view of control traffic and vector signal analysis of data traffic enable cross-domain debug. With the addition of the Agilent N4860A stimulus probe, the receive path on the baseband IC can be exercised.

Base price: $14,495 for each probe. Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com.