SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2014 – Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced two compliance test software packages for physical-layer testing of devices that use the new High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 2.0 specification. The transmitter compliance test software allows engineers to use Agilent Infiniium oscilloscopes to test their HDMI 2.0 transmitters. Agilent’s receiver compliance software can be used with the company’s transition-minimized differential-signaling signal generator platform and the Agilent M8190A arbitrary waveform generator to test HDMI 2.0 receivers.
Leading manufacturers are implementing HDMI technology in consumer products such as televisions, computers and set-top boxes, which requires them to pay close attention to device interoperability. The HDMI 2.0 specification, published Sept. 4, 2013, offers a significant increase in bandwidth (up to 18 Gbps) to support new features, better resolution and up to 32 audio channels.
Agilent’s HDMI 2.0 transmitter compliance solution builds on its HDMI 1.4b transmitter compliance test software that is currently used worldwide in HDMI authorized test centers. The new software offers sophisticated capabilities now required for testing HDMI 2.0 transmitters, such as embedding standard cable models, de-embedding fixtures, providing reference equalization and allowing engineers to characterize their systems using arbitrary models.
The HDMI 2.0 transmitter compliance test software sets new benchmarks in usability by decreasing the number of “clicks to test.” Productivity improvements are enabled by two new software features: the ability to store and recall previous user set-ups, and test-plan control to guide users through all necessary tests for a given device, a capability previously lacking in HDMI solutions. Further increases in productivity are realized using a microwave switch matrix that allows all high-speed signals to be tested under control of the test software.
Agilent’s HDMI 2.0 receiver compliance solution is available as an upgrade for Agilent E4887A TMDS signal generators and the M8190A AWG. A new cable emulator allows existing E4887A customers to upgrade to the HDMI 2.0 receiver test solution.
The M8190A AWG solution offers a cost-effective and compact alternative to Agilent’s well-established E4887A HDMI platform. The M8190A AWG setup eliminates switching between various cable emulators because waveforms are digitally synthesized to emulate the desired distortions. This capability reduces the manual reconfiguration effort and increases reliability. The AWG test solution reduces development costs while providing accurate test results with greater flexibility than other HDMI test solutions offer. Agilent’s AWG HDMI test solution is the only single-box generator solution available today.
The HDMI 2.0 receiver compliance solution is complemented by products from Agilent’s solutions partner BitifEye. BitifEye products include an HDMI 2.0 upgrade of the frame generator software, phase shifters and an HDMI status and control data channel controller kit, which can be used to enable the new scrambling feature.
Agilent’s compliance testing solutions include:
- Infiniium DSO/DSA91304A 13-GHz oscilloscope for transmitter testing;
- ParBERT E4887 TMDS signal generator or M8190A AWG for receiver testing;
- Cable emulator for E4887A TMDS signal generator platform;
- HDMI 2.0 transmitter and receiver compliance test applications; and
- HDMI 2.0 test fixtures and accessories supplied through solutions partner BitifEye.
Additional information about Agilent’s HDMI 2.0 transmitter compliance test software and A HDMI 2.0 receiver compliance test software is available atwww.agilent.com/find/HDMI.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Agilent HDMI 2.0 transmitter compliance test application is available now for $9,500. The Agilent HDMI 2.0 receiver compliance test application is available now for $14,000.
Agilent’s Digital Test Standards Program
Agilent Digital Test Standards Program experts are involved in various international standards committees, including the SD Association, Joint Electronic Devices Engineering Council, PCI-SIG®, Video Electronics Standards Association, Serial ATA International Organization, Serial Attached SCSI (T10), USB-Implementers Forum, MIPI Alliance, Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3), Optical Internetworking Forum and many others. Agilent’s involvement in these standards groups enables the company to bring the right solutions to market when customers need them.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company’s 20,600 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.
On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement business. The new company is named Keysight Technologies, Inc. The separation is expected to be completed in early November 2014.
