Frost & Sullivan Applauds Agilent For The Development Of FieldFox, Its Unique Multi-Instrumental Handheld Analyzer

The analyzer's integrated instruments offer significant cost-savings for customers

Based on its recent analysis of the handheld general purpose test equipment market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Agilent) with the 2013 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation Leadership for its FieldFox handheld analyzers. This unique product incorporates the capabilities of multiple test equipment, including a vector network analyzer (VNA), a spectrum analyzer, and a cable and antenna analyzer, in a single, compact, three-kg package. Additionally, it is designed to provide bench-top-level performance and is highly robust and durable, which makes it ideal for harsh field environments in a variety of applications.

The company currently offers 16 analyzers under its FieldFox family, which covers both radio-frequency (RF) and MW frequencies of 4, 6, 9, 14, 18, and 26.5 GHz, eliminating the need for multiple handheld test instruments. The FieldFox comes in three versions - an RF and microwave combination analyzer, RF and microwave VNA, and microwave spectrum analyzer. The key features of the combination analyzer include cable and antenna analysis, full two-port vector network analysis, and spectrum analysis. Consequently, it can be used as an interference analyzer, vector volt meter, full-band tracking generator, power meter, variable DC source, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and frequency counter.

In addition to offering a high level of integration, the FieldFox analyzers meet the MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 specifications for superior durability and robustness, and the MIL-STD-810G Method 511.5 Procedure I for use in explosive environments. These analyzers were also recently fitted with a new feature that enables the user to remotely manage and control the test equipment using an iOS-based device, such as an iPad or an iPhone.

The lightweight and compact design of the instrument allows field personnel to operate it using a single hand, even wearing gloves. Another key benefit of the FieldFox is that each of its capabilities can be added to the device through software upgrades. This is highly convenient and reduces the need to own multiple hardware platforms for multiple test capabilities.

"The FieldFox analyzers are designed to operate in a temperature range of -10° C to 55° C with a battery life of 3.5 hours and with no vents or fans; the products can also reliably withstand high salt and humidity environments," said Frost & Sullivan Industry manager Sujan Sami. "In addition, they are designed to be dust- and moisture-resistant in order to operate efficiently in challenging field environments and adhere to the IP53 requirements."

While competing brands offer a one-year warranty period for their handheld testers, Agilent offers a three-year warranty, proving its confidence in the product's superior quality and performance. Additionally, FieldFox handheld analyzers help realize calibration cost-savings; all handheld analyzers are required to be calibrated once a year, but with Agilent's FieldFox analyzer, multiple instruments can be calibrated at once.

Its multi-testing capabilities on a single platform allow the product to be used in traditional applications as well as emerging applications in aerospace and defense, education, commercial wireless, and healthcare, where rapid and accurate measurements are required. Although customers usually prefer bench-tops for manufacturing and R&D applications, demonstrations of Agilent's handheld analyzers are resulting in the gradual uptake of the FieldFox in R&D to complement bench-tops.

"Agilent's strong network of direct and indirect sales channels allows it to ensure the availability of its product in different geographic markets," noted Sami. "Owing to the product's superiority in terms of performance, size and durability, it is expected to be greatly in demand all over the world in the near future."

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company's 20,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.9B in fiscal 2012. For more information, visit www.agilent.com.

About Frost & Sullivan
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