Agilent Technologies Inc.’s physical layer test system (PLTS) version 4.0. features new multiport enhancements. This robust calibration, measurement and analysis platform is aimed at the signal integrity engineers doing high-speed digital design and encountering microwave transmission line effects in their printed circuit boards (PCBs), cables, IC packages and backplanes. In addition, Agilent has also introduced PLTS Studio, an analysis-only version of the PLTS platform that provides a low-cost-to-entry for engineers performing post-measurement data analysis of Touchstone files.

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The new PLTS version 4.0 features a number of significant improvements that provide engineers with complete design confidence. Simplifying multiple aggressor differential crosstalk measurements in high-speed backplanes, it easily imports 12-port S-parameter data and rapidly pinpoints the physical location of crosstalk problems. A customizable device configuration map manages the large S-parameter files from the n-port data set, organizing them according to port name. When only 4-port data is available, the tool's advanced file import functionality automatically builds larger Touchstone models, thereby eliminating the time-consuming task of writing custom import software or performing a manual cut-and-paste of Touchstone data. Additionally, fast and easy electronic calibration modules allow for quick Short-Open-Load-Thru calibration of a 12-port VNA in about eight minutes.

An added benefit is that it allows for time domain, frequency domain and eye diagram analysis with maximum correlation to all tools. As a result, it can be easily used in place of three or four separate tools. Eye diagram analysis takes place by utilizing a novel user-programmable virtual pattern generator. Rather than requiring the engineer to buy an expensive pseudo random binary sequence generator, the PLTS version 4.0 has a virtual one built directly into its software environment. To ensure accuracy, the eye diagram results are correlated to other Agilent test and measurement equipment. This information makes it dramatically easier for the engineer to quickly troubleshoot and fix any crosstalk problems.

Included in the PLTS version 4.0 release is PLTS Studio software package for data analysis. Priced at under $10,000 when sold as a standalone solution. Designed to simplify signal integrity characterization with powerful analysis tools, it features the same multiport analysis enhancements now available with the PLTS version 4.0. .

The PLTS version 4.0 is available now through Agilent's direct sales channels and worldwide distribution partners. PLTS Studio is also available for purchase as a standalone solution or as part of the PLTS version 4.0 offering.