TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies' Optical Module Tests Widest Range of Telecom/Datacom Wavelengths, Transmission Rates in Industry.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Wide-Wavelength, Multi-Rate Tool Provides Critical Solution in Single, Plug-In Module

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced a wide-wavelength, multi-rate optical module for the Agilent 86100C Infiniium digital communications analyzer (DCA-J). For the first time, optical component and equipment manufacturers can use a single plug-in module to perform waveform characterization and test transmitter compliance on an unprecedented number of networking technologies. The Agilent 86105C covers all wavelengths for 750 nm to 1650 nm, which previously required two or more different modules.

The Agilent 86105C is a high-sensitivity, broad-wavelength module that enables users to accurately characterize the transmission performance of components and systems that cross the boundary between telecom and datacom. With the 86105C, users are not limited to telecom test equipment, but can now also test datacom standards such as 4x Fibre Channel in one single module. Designers and manufacturers of multi-port and multi-rate systems and components can use the 86105C's wide bit-rate coverage and high sensitivity to characterize optical transmission performance of all SONET/SDH, Ethernet and Fibre Channel technologies from 155 Mb/s through 11.3 Gb/s.

"The Agilent 86105C optical module is the ideal solution for designers and manufacturers who must quickly and accurately characterize optical transceivers that span multiple data rates," said Siegfried Gross, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Digital Verification Solutions Division. "It provides designers flexibility in a lab environment, and manufacturers will benefit from its ability to improve throughput and reduce costs by testing all data rates in a single connection."

The Agilent 86105C plug-in module offers several benefits:

--Increased ROA through unprecedented optical filter rate coverage for SONET/SDH and datacom/enterprise technologies up to 11.3 Gb/s allows designers and manufacturers to test transmitter compliance and waveform characterization on multiple technologies and data rates with a single module.

--Sensitivity as low as -21 dBm enables customers to simulate real network power levels when qualifying critical network components and equipment.

--When used with the Agilent 86107A precision timebase reference module, it offers the industry's best intrinsic jitter, making it easy to measure high-performance designs where instrument jitter might otherwise hide device performance.

--It can be used with all A, B, and C versions of the DCA, allowing existing customers to easily upgrade to the newest capabilities while protecting their investments in Agilent test equipment.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent 86105C is available for order now, with shipments expected in January 2005 at a list price of $26,500. Further information is available at www.agilent.com/find/dca. Product photos are available at www.agilent.com/find/86105C_image.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $6.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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