With the need for lower power consumption and compact equipment on the rise, efficient power converters have become all the more critical, as has knowing the real characteristics of low-loss components during the design phase.

Agilent's new impedance analyzers are the only instruments on the market with the measurement accuracy to evaluate components from mohm to Mohm over the 20 Hz to 3 GHz frequency range, and to uncover the real characteristics of high-quality components.

The E4990A offers 0.045 percent (typical) basic accuracy over a wide impedance range.The E4991B offers 0.65 percent basic accuracy and features accurate material measurement options that include temperature characteristics analysis from -55°C to 150 °C and direct read function of permittivity and permeability.

The E4990A impedance analyzer has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 10/20/30/50/120 MHz and replaces the industry-standard Agilent 4294A. The E4991B impedance analyzer has a frequency range of 1 MHz to 500 MHz or 1 GHz/3 GHz and replaces the industry-standard E4991A. The analyzers' flexible frequency options allow engineers to select exactly what they need for their application today-with the least amount of investment-and easily upgrade later as the need arises.

Other key features of the analyzers include a compact body that allows them to share desk space with other devices and tools, and a user-friendly interface. The large, 10.4-inch color LCD with touch screen and multiple-setting functions enables users to evaluate many parameters under various conditions at the same time.

A sophisticated, equivalent circuit-analysis function supports seven different multi-parameter models and allows users to simulate their own equivalent parameter values for components. The E4990A and E4991B impedance analyzers support a variety of Agilent test accessories, making measurement of different applications simple and reliable.

"The accuracy and analysis functions of our new E4990A and E4991B impedance analyzers far exceed that of currently available, comparable industry-standard instruments, and help engineers achieve real characteristics of high-quality devices, materials and components," said Akira Nukiyama, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Component Test Division.

"What's more, their broad frequency options and pricing support a range of test needs. These features expand their reach from passive component measurements to also include low-frequency material measurement and development of higher-frequency DC-DC converters."