Synchronisation of test and measurement instruments over LAN using LXI

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Agilent has introduced an LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation) trigger box that enables precise synchronisation over LAN for LXI Class C and GPIB instruments from any vendor, elevating their performance to LXI Class B standards.

With the breakthrough E5818A LXI trigger box, users of LXI Class C and GPIB instruments can now achieve better event synchronisation and data correlation over LAN with distributed test systems. The instrument is another example of Agilent's commitment to provide innovative solutions for test and measurement users, enabling LXI Class C or GPIB instruments to gain the timing capabilities of an LXI Class B instrument.

The E5818A LXI trigger box is a standalone LXI Class B device. Leveraging the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP), it can achieve a synchronisation accuracy of up to 13 ns (standard deviation over direct connection) and provide time stamping of up to 5000 events. Each trigger box provides BNC connectivity to two instruments (any combination of GPIB or LXI Class C).

The E5818A 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.

For easy programming, the instrument is SCPI compatible. To ensure system readiness, it also includes a bundled IVI driver, enabling system creators to easily automate measurements and triggering in the programming environment of their choice, such as Agilent VEE, Microsoft Visual Basic, C and LabVIEW.

The E5818A LXI trigger box is available now and is priced around AU$1,990 ex GST.