Agilent Technologies - Active Differential Probes for its RF, Microwave Instruments

Existing RF probes only allow measurement up to 3 GHz. No commercial products yet exist for high-frequency probing. Instead, this task is accomplished using rudimentary makeshift and often times, unreliable solutions. In contrast, Agilent's U1818A and U1818B active device probes allow measurement up to 7 GHz and 12 GHz, respectively and, using Agilent instruments, are designed specifically for precise in-circuit measurements.

Agilent's U1818A/B active differential probes feature:

* broad bandwidth with flat frequency response, +/- 1.5 dB, which ensures excellent measurement accuracy and helps users achieve the best product specifications;
* low noise floor, less than -130 dBm/Hz at 10 MHz to 12 GHz, which allows measurements to be made at a low signal amplitude; and
* convenient biasing from Agilent's RF and microwave instruments probe power port or bench top power supply for user flexibility.

Our new active differential probes are designed to enable convenient usage with our network, spectrum and signal source analyzers, said Tan Boon Khim, operations manager of Agilent's Test Accessories Organization. Together, this complete solution allows engineers and technicians to perform troubleshooting and design validation down to the component level, greatly enhancing their ability to quickly find and fix defects.

Agilent's U1818A/B active differential probes are available with a variety of probe head options. Additional probe accessories include extreme temperature extension cables, an inline attenuator kit, minimum loss attenuator pad and probe positioners for the most accurate measurements.