News - Service/Maintenance Test

iPad or iPhone as Remote Control for Handheld Analyzers

13 June 2013 – Agilent Technologies announced that its FieldFox handheld analyzers can now be remotely controlled via an iOS device such as an iPad or iPhone. Also new are a spectrum analysis time-gating option and support for Agilent’s USB peak-power sensors. These features provide engineers 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 analyzers 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 easily 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 ideal for training and educational purposes.

 “Carrying precision into the field is the driving idea behind Agilent’s FieldFox analyzers,” said Dan Dunn of Agilent’s Component Test Division. “Our new remote control capability reinforces this principle by enabling our customers to make precise RF and microwave measurements right from their iPad.”

Spectrum Analyzer Functionality

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

USB Peak-Power Sensor Support

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 well suited for radar engineers maintaining and troubleshooting radar communications equipment and networks.

Additional Information

Agilent’s new remote-control capability (Option 030) for the FieldFox RF and microwave analyzers is now available to order. The Remote Viewer iOS application can be downloaded from the Apple app store for viewing. The spectrum analyzer time-gating function (Option 238) is available. It can be used with the N9913/14/15/16/17/18A and N9935/36/37/38A FieldFox units. Support for Agilent’s USB peak-power sensors is included in the FieldFox power meter (Option 302).

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