Remote control option for Agilent FieldFox analysers

Agilent Technologies has announced that its FieldFox handheld analysers can now be remotely controlled via an iOS device such as an iPad or iPhone. Also announced are a spectrum analysis time-gating option and support for Agilent’s USB peak-power sensors. These features provide engineers with the precision and flexibility they need to more easily and quickly test their RF communications infrastructure.

FieldFox’s remote control capability, Option 030, enables viewing and control of the instrument via the Remote Viewer iOS application. With a wireless LAN or cellular broadband data connection using an iOS device, the FieldFox analysers can now be placed in areas where users do not wish to stay long due to extremely harsh or unsafe conditions. Additionally, if one technician or engineer has trouble making a measurement or determining the source of a problem, another can step in to remotely troubleshoot and solve the problem.

Once users launch the Remote Viewer, they can access FieldFox demo videos and technical literature such as user guides, application notes and datasheets. This enables engineers and technicians in the field to quickly find the data they need to resolve network issues as they arise. Access to this information also makes the app suitable for training and educational purposes.

FieldFox’s spectrum analysis time-gating function, Option 238, is specifically geared towards engineers testing the pulse characteristics of radar systems. Unlike other solutions, FieldFox’s time-gating function enables users to view both frequency and time domains at the same time, and it can measure very narrow pulses (less than 1 µs wide) with sweep time as small as 8 µs. Enhanced trigger functions (eg, burst trigger and pre-trigger) further ease the signal-measurement challenge.

Peak power measurements are necessary to test pulsed transmissions. FieldFox’s power meter, Option 302, now supports Agilent’s USB peak power sensors, enabling engineers to measure peak and average power to 18 or 40 GHz. This offers the same accuracy as measurements obtained using traditional peak power meters. By extending FieldFox’s frequency to tackle measurements in the 40 GHz range, the power meter option is suitable for radar engineers maintaining and troubleshooting radar communications equipment and networks.