LXI trigger box touts precise synchronization over LAN

Agilent Technologies Inc. has unveiled what it touts as the first LXI trigger box that enables precise synchronization over LAN for LXI Class C and GPIB instruments, elevating their performance to LXI Class B standards.

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 Agilent E5818A LXI trigger box, it gains the timing capabilities of an LXI Class B instrument. Leveraging the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol 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.

In addition, the LXI 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.

"With the breakthrough LXI trigger box, users of LXI Class C and GPIB instruments can now achieve better event synchronization and data correlation over LAN with distributed test systems," said Ee Huei Sin, VP and general manager of Agilent's basic instruments division.