IFR'S Portable 2399 Spectrum Analyzer Equipped for Remote Monitoring; Test and Field Engineers Can Find and Fix Problems With Radio Systems Without Leaving Their Desk.

Business/High-Tech Editors

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2001

IFR Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:IFRS) today announced the 2399 portable spectrum analyzer is now available with remote control and diagnostics capability.

IFR's new 2399, introduced in January of this year, is used in a wide range of applications including mobile communication service workshops, base station installation, repair and maintenance plus broadcast TV and education.

Remote monitoring is made possible with Easy Span, a software program developed by IFR. Test and field engineers using the 2399 can easily access instruments located anywhere in the world via a direct connection or through a dial-up modem using RS-232. This capability means the 2399 can be used by anyone needing remote operation and data collection to perform remote diagnostics.

"Incorporating Easy Span into the 2399 is further evidence of our commitment to provide unique tools that solve today's complex wireless test problems," said Keith Slinn, product line manager, spectrum analyzers. "The 2399 is ideal for test and field engineers whose necks are on the line for designing, installing or maintaining radio systems quickly and economically."

Using RS-232 as the communications medium, Easy Span simplifies the operation and is less expensive than using the GPIB protocol and PCMCIA cards. Using the optional tracking generator, network measurements are precisely repeated, quickly and easily.

Easy Span Capabilities

-- Easy Span allows users to extract traces from IFR test equipment. These
traces can be time and date stamped, which is effective in verifying
performance and interface problems. Traces can be stored in BMP, GIF, PCX,
csf.txt, or to the clipboard.

-- Waveforms can be examined, stored and/or compared to a reference waveform.
Stored traces are limited only by the storage/memory available in PCs.
Waveforms can also be extracted or linked allowing Easy Span to store one
waveform.

-- Simplified automated measurements include: Level, VSWR/Return Loss,
Insertion Loss, Carrier Noise, Cable Fault, Field Strength and Bandwidth.

-- Easy Span also offers limit testing, zoom function, remote control of front
panel and GPS monitor.

About the 2399 Spectrum Analyzer

The 2399 covers a frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz and includes features designed to make it extremely user friendly. New features include semi-automated measurement capabilities, a fast processor, large memory capacity and color display.

The 2399 spectrum analyzer offers users a large color TFT LCD display with a 640 x 480 pixel active display area that is clear, bright and sharp even in high ambient light conditions. The unit weighs less than 21 lbs. (9.4 kg), making it one of the lightest spectrum analyzers on the market today.

The 2399 has a fast processor and large memory capable of storing up to 1,000 screen traces and 2,000 operational states. Improvements in the processor speed, memory capacity and operating system not only make the 2399 very powerful, but also give IFR the ability to create new options for the instrument in response to market needs.

The 2399's comprehensive marker system allows as many as nine markers to be displayed at any one time together with a marker table showing the frequency and level of each marker selected. This feature allows multiple signals to be evaluated simultaneously. In addition to Normal Markers, the 2399 provides Delta Markers, Peak Search, Peak Track, 1/Delta, Marker Track, Marker to Center and Marker to Reference capabilities. Interfaces for IEEE-488, RS-232C, printers and active probes are also built into the standard spectrum analyzer thereby widening its appeal.

Price and Availability

The 2399 spectrum analyzer is priced at US$9,984. It is available in four weeks upon receipt of order. The Easy Span software package is US$583 and is available immediately upon receipt of order.

IFR -- Advancing Wireless Test

IFR is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless test solutions for communications, avionics and general test and measurement applications. For more information about IFR in the United States, contact: IFR, 10200 West York Street, Wichita, Kan., 67215-8999. Contact IFR via e-mail at [e-mail], on the Web at www.ifrsys.com, or by telephone at 800/835-2352 or 316/522-4981.