Agilent Technologies FieldFox handheld analyser range

Agilent Technologies has released 14 FieldFox handheld analysers that provide benchtop-instrument accuracy in field-test environments.

Designed for harsh conditions and hard-to-reach locations, the analysers cover satellite communications, microwave backhaul, military communications, radar systems and a wide range of additional applications.

The devices can be configured as cable-and-antenna analysers, spectrum analysers, vector network analysers or all-in-one combination analysers. Each compact, 3 kg package is available in four frequencies: 9, 14, 18 or 26.5 GHz.

To ensure durability in harsh field environments, the completely sealed enclosure is compliant with US MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 requirements. To enhance ease of use, the instrument has a vertical orientation and large buttons, allowing users to operate the unit with their thumbs, even while wearing gloves.

The microwave vector network analysers provide full two-port S-parameter measurements with a low trace noise of ±0.004 dB and dynamic range of 94 dB (up to 18 GHz). The VNAs offer a QuickCal function, which enables calibration without external accessories. With any other instrument, adding devices such as jumper cables to the test port requires recalibrating with an external calibration kit.

The microwave spectrum analysers provide amplitude accuracy of ±0.5 dB at power-up, with no warm-up required, allowing field users to instantly and precisely characterise transmitter power. They can detect more signals in the band of interest with phase noise of -111 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and measure low-level signals in the presence of high-power transmitters with spur-free dynamic range of 105 dB.

The combination analysers’ base function is cable and antenna analysis and users can configure the instrument to do spectrum and vector network analysis as well. To further save space in a field kit, the analysers can be ordered with a built-in power meter, independent signal generator, vector voltmeter, interference analysis, variable DC source, frequency counter and built-in GPS receiver.

Among the 14 models are two RF combination analysers: the N9913A (4 GHz) and the N9914A (6.5 GHz).