PALO ALTO & IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2004--
LXI Combines Best of Rack-and-Stack Instrument and Modular Test
Capabilities in Compact, Flexible Package
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) and VXI Technology Inc. today
introduced LXI, a next-generation, LAN-based modular platform standard
for automated test systems. LXI (LAN extensions for instrumentation)
combines built-in measurement science and PC-standard I/O connectivity
from rack-and-stack instruments with the modularity and size reduction
of cardcage-based systems. LXI's compact, flexible package, high-speed
I/O and reliable measurements meet the needs of R&D and manufacturing
engineers developing electronics for the aerospace/defense,
automotive, industrial, medical and consumer electronics markets.
The LXI standard will be managed by the LXI Consortium, a
not-for-profit corporation made up of leading test and measurement
companies. The group's goals are to develop, support and promote the
LXI standard.
"While the VXI bus is an ideal standard for all high-density,
high-speed applications, LXI combines the benefits of VXI and Ethernet
and provides users with a well-defined platform for high-performance
instruments for applications not typically addressed with VXI," said
Paul Dhillon, vice president of VXI Technology. "We are excited to
work with Agilent to once again create a powerful, modular
industry-standard measurement platform."
Agilent and VXI Technology have leveraged their history of modular
instrument design to introduce the LXI platform, a logical and
practical step in the progress of open-standard instrumentation for
test systems. With Ethernet (LAN) integrated into nearly every
computer, it is the most widely accepted communications interface.
Networking hardware is becoming less expensive, speeds continue to
increase, and LAN offers peer-to-peer communications not available in
other point-to-point interface standards. Test and measurement
engineers increasingly realize the benefits of high-speed LAN as an
alternative to proprietary test and measurement interfaces such as
GPIB, which is now challenged by the industry's need for lower cost,
higher bandwidths and faster data transfer rates.
"LXI's LAN-based architecture provides the basis for long
life-cycle instrumentation implementations, such as in the aerospace
and defense industry," said Pat Byrne, vice president and general
manager of Agilent's Wireless Business Unit. "LXI is not limited by
bandwidth, software or computer backplane architectures. It can
leverage ever-increasing Ethernet throughput, making it the ideal
solution for engineers facing next-generation automated test system
challenges."
LXI test and measurement modules are optimized for use in design
validation or manufacturing test systems. LAN connectivity enables
modules to reside and be accessed from anywhere in the world. Unlike a
modular cardcage with its expensive power supply, backplane,
controller, and MXI cards and cables, LXI modules are self-contained
with their own processor, LAN connections, power supply and trigger
inputs. LXI modules are either one- or two-rack units tall in full- or
half-width, making it simple to mix and match functionality. Signal
inputs and outputs are located on the front, with LAN and input AC
power located on the rear of each LXI module. LXI modules are
controlled by a computer and do not require the displays, buttons and
dials that come with traditional rack-and-stack instruments. LXI
modules use standard Web browsers for troubleshooting and IVI-COM
drivers for communications to simplify system integration.
Additional information about the LXI Consortium product offerings,
licensing and specifications are available at www.lxistandard.org. A
backgrounder is available at www.agilent.com/find/lxi_backgrounder.
About VXI Technology
VXI Technology is a private company headquartered in Irvine,
Calif. The company is a global supplier of high-density modular
instruments and switching systems for both electrical and mechanical
test. All solutions are based on open-platform, "computer-independent"
standards. More information is available at www.vxitech.com or by
calling +1 949 955 1894.
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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CONTACT: Agilent
Janet Smith, 970-679-5397
janet_smith@agilent.com
or
VXI Technology
Jon Semancik, 216-447-8950
jons@vxitech.com
SOURCE: Agilent Technologies Inc.