Device Syncs LXI Instruments

August 31st, 2007

The Agilent Technologies E5818A LXI trigger box enables precise synchronization over LAN for LXI Class C and GPIB instruments, elevating their performance to LXI Class B standards. The unit is a standalone LXI Class B device. It can achieve a synchronization accuracy of up to 13 ns (standard deviation over direct connection) and provide time stamping of up to 5,000 events. Each trigger box provides BNC connectivity to two instruments (any combination of GPIB or LXI Class C).

Accurate synchronization is crucial, especially in automated test systems that involve multiple distributed devices. When an LXI Class C or GPIB instrument is connected to the trigger box, it gains the timing capabilities of an LXI Class B instrument. Leveraging the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) synchronization, the trigger box enables sub-nanosecond time triggering and time stamping of events for the attached instruments. With reliable event-log data, users can trace and troubleshoot faults easily.

The trigger box provides LXI peer-to-peer and multicast communication capabilities that improve test time, especially when heavy data exchanges occur between devices. Further reducing test time, the LXI trigger box can be easily configured and upgraded through a standard Web browser.

For easy programming, the Agilent E5818A LXI trigger box is SCPI-compatible. To ensure system readiness, it also includes a bundled IVI driver, enabling system creators to easily automate measurements and triggering in the programming environment of their choice, such as Agilent VEE, Microsoft Visual Basic(r), C and LabVIEW.

Entry Filed under: Automatic Test Equipment, Data Acquisition