Until now, no technology has successfully measured both WLAN 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth modules from a single platform. Agilent Technologies, Inc. recently changed that trend with its N4010A one-box test set. This product replaces the golden radio with a more efficient digital source. It also integrates the other components into a single box. As a result, the test set is simplified and calibration requirements are significantly reduced. In addition, this test set provides easier system integration, improved RF performance, and faster, more accurate measurements than golden-radio-based systems. When combined with the test set's low price, these capabilities significantly reduce the cost of testing WLAN and Bluetooth modules.

The Agilent N4010A wireless-connectivity test set with WLAN option 102/103 merges a fully calibrated vector signal generator and wide-bandwidth signal analyzer. This combination allows engineers to verify multiple 802.11a/b/g chip sets operating in the 2.4- and 5-GHz frequency bands. Using the test-set Bluetooth option 101, designers can make transmitter and receiver measurements as defined in the Bluetooth RF specification. These options maximize manufacturer flexibility. They also significantly lower the cost of test by eliminating the need to purchase separate WLAN and Bluetooth measurement systems.

The N4010A wireless-connectivity test set is available now. It supports all chip-set manufacturers. The N4010A sells for $12,000. The 101, 102, and 103 WLAN options for the N4010A test set also are currently available. The 101 Bluetooth, 102 2.4-GHz WLAN, and 103 5-GHz WLAN options sell for $4500, $10,000, and $13,000, respectively.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
395 Page Mill Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94306; (877) 424-4536, FAX: (650) 752-5300, www.agilent.com.