Electronics Automation

Output ranges from 0-6 to 0-100V DC, rated to 270W, are provided by Acopian's Series Y programmable power supplies.

Output ranges from 0-6 to 0-100V DC, rated to 270W, are provided by Acopian's Series Y programmable power supplies. Linear regulation limits output ripple to less then 0.25mV RMS, and line/load regulation in constant-voltage mode is +/-0.005% or 2mV, so these supplies are ideal for use in test equipment, analogue systems and R and D. They can be voltage programmed with an external potentiometer or switched resistance, or with a 0 to +10V DC control voltage.

Input ranges are 105-125 or 210-250V AC, 50-400Hz.

All models are UL recognised.

Operating temperature range is -20 to +71C.

Storage temperature range is -55 to +85C.

Output is floating; either positive or negative terminal may be grounded or floated up to 300V above ground.

The temperature coefficient is typically 0.02%/C.

Prices start at US $195.00.

Modular models are shipped within three working days and rack mounted models within nine.

The Continuity Tester Pro features the unique capability for single person operation of wire and cable continuity checking and wire identification.
Extech Instruments has expanded its product offering and increased its market presence with a new line of electrical testers. Extech now offers a comprehensive range of electrical testers including continuity testers, wire identifiers, receptacle testers, circuit testers, voltage testers and current detectors, many with unique and innovative features. At the heart of this product expansion is the launch of Extech's CT20 Continuity Tester Pro.

This extremely affordable test product features the unique capability for single person operation of wire and cable continuity checking and wire identification.

These features eliminate the need for someone to be at both ends of the wire under test.

The Continuity Tester Pro is an ideal tool for electricians, cable TV and audio system installers, alarm technicians, HVAC installers, auto repair technicians, handymen, and do-it-yourself homeowners.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported significant year-over-year growth in sales, net earnings and gross margin for the first quarter.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has reported significant year-over-year growth in sales, net earnings and gross margin for the first quarter ended 30th November 2006. Sales increased 31.4% to US $35.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from US $27.0 million in the first quarter of 2006, but decreased 0.5% from US $35.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding Consultronics, which was acquired in January 2006, sales increased organically 21.8% year-over-year.

Net bookings improved by 21.0% year-over-year to US $37.0 million for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.04 in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from US $30.6 million in the same period last year and 13.3% from US $32.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Gross margin increased to its highest level in five years to 57.2% of sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 from 55.4% in the first quarter of 2006 and 54.3% in the fourth quarter of 2006.

GAAP net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 totalled US $3.5 million, or US $0.05 per diluted share, compared with US $0.4 million, or US $ 0.01 per diluted share, in the same period last year and US $2.9 million or US $0.04 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

GAAP net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 included US $0.9 million in amortisation of intangible assets and US $0.3 million in stock-based compensation costs.

'We continue to execute our profitable growth strategy with solid year-over-year progression in terms of sales, gross margin and net earnings, without sacrificing our long-term plan as we keep strengthening our global sales organisation and accelerating our new product development programmes', said Germain Lamonde, Exfo's Chairman, President and CEO.

'Within our Telecom Division, our protocol business unit, which generated more than 80% sales growth from 2005 to 2006, continued to demonstrate solid traction in the first quarter on the strength of our strong product offering, accelerating roadmap and developments in the triple-play test market'.

'Overall, the sale of new products contributed about one-third to our revenues in the first quarter, while five new test solutions were released with several major product launches still to come'.

'Given these data points, I am optimistic about the full fiscal year and our long-term prospects'.

Selling and administrative expenses amounted to US $11.5 million, or 32.5% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $9.1 million, or 33.5% of sales, in the same period last year and US $10.9 million, or 30.4% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Gross research and development expenses totaled US $5.5 million, or 15.5% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $4.0 million, or 14.8% of sales, in the first quarter of 2006 and US $5.2 million, or 14.6% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Net R and D expenses totaled US $4.4 million, or 12.2% of sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with US $3.1 million, or 11.6% of sales, in the same period last year and US $4.3 million, or 12.0% of sales, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Exfo has forecasted sales between US $34.0 million and US $37.0 million and GAAP net earnings between US $0.02 and US $0.05 per diluted share for the second quarter ending 28th February 2007.

GAAP net earnings include US $0.01 per diluted share in amortisation of intangible assets and stock-based compensation costs.

'We are maintaining sales guidance between $34 and $37 million despite a typically weak start of a new calendar year, which indicates our confidence in reaching our growth metric of 20% or more for fiscal 2007', Lamonde added.

New Tek UWB WiMedia2 software extends the UWB debug and analysis capabilities of the Tektronix DSA70000, DPO70000 and TDS6000C Series oscilloscopes.

Tektronix has expanded its TDSUWB oscilloscope software utility. The new Tek UWB WiMedia2 software extends the UWB debug and analysis capabilities of the Tektronix DSA70000, DPO70000 and TDS6000C Series - the industry's highest multi-channel performance real time oscilloscopes - to include real-time analysis of ultrawideband RF and electrical signals. UWB wireless technology promises a data transfer rate of up to 1Gbit/s to meet the demand of data-intensive future applications.

With the Tektronix UWB WiMedia2 application, engineers will be able to design, debug, and validate performance of WiMedia ultrawideband radios used in Certified Wireless USB, WiNet and High Speed Bluetooth consumer electronics.

UWB is a wireless radio technology that uses pulses or waveforms compressed in time, allowing frequency energy to be spread over a very wide bandwidth to very low levels enabling UWB radios to share spectrum with existing narrowband transmissions without causing undue interference.

Extensions within Tek UWB WiMedia2 for the WiMedia Alliances' UWB Common Radio Platform offer single-button tests for efficient debugging and RF compliance testing of WiMedia UWB systems including demodulation of the RF waveform and RF signal quality measurements including constellation patterns, EVM, power spectral density, ACPR measurements and spectrograms.

The information-rich display of modulation and time domain frequency domain waveforms offers new insight into ultrawideband radios.

'Our UWB customers worldwide tell us it is important that test equipment be able to accommodate without modification the regulatory requirements of all regions', said Marv LaVoie, Tektronix Fellow, Performance Scope Product Line, Tektronix.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 demodulates and measures all WiMedia Bandgroups, frequencies and Time Frequency Codes when installed on DSA70000, DPO70000, or TDS6000C oscilloscopes with sufficient real time bandwidth'.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 provides UWB design engineers with essential debug and compliance testing capabilities'.

Tek UWB WiMedia2 automatically identifies time frequency code (TFC) - frequency of operation and hopping sequence and automatically identifies datarate from the RF waveform for unprecedented ease of use.

The results of all combinations of TFCs, datarates and bandgroups are tabulated in standard CSV format providing fast and easy documentation of all RF measurements.

To complete the UWB solution, Tektronix also provides the industry-leading signal generator, the AWG7000 series that enables UWB developers to generate WiMedia signals for complete receiver verification.

With its 20Gsample/s sample rate and 5GHz bandwidth, the AWG7000 is capable of direct generation of UWB signals.

Also available for download are sample WiMedia radio waveforms that can be used to drive UWB test signal generation from the AWG7000.

'The Tek UWB WiMedia2 software from Tektronix enables Tzero and our customers to more easily build and test solutions built with advanced ultra wideband technology', said Rajeev Krishnamoorthy, Tzero Technologies Founder and CTO.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 provides an intuitive interface and the tests necessary to validate designs, all with one-button simplicity'.

'This reflects the advanced expertise that has been built into the software and user interface'.

'Tek UWB WiMedia2 will help speed time to market of a wide range of products'.

The Tek UWB WiMedia2 is currently prerelease software and is available for download from the Tektronix website for a limited time without charge.

Anritsu describes the MS2724B as the most advanced ultraportable spectrum analyser featuring unparalleled performance and continuous frequency coverage from 9kHz to 20GHz at a modest price.

Anritsu describes the MS2724B as the most advanced ultraportable spectrum analyser featuring unparalleled performance and continuous frequency coverage from 9kHz to 20GHz at a modest price. Anritsu has also introduced the MS2721B and MS2723B handheld spectrum analysers which offer frequency coverage up to 7.1 and 13GHz, respectively, as part of its expansion of the industry-leading Spectrum Master Product line. The high performance and measurement capability of the MS272xB series make it easier for engineers and field technicians to design, deploy, and optimise the performance of wireless devices and networks ranging from commercial to defence and public safety.

The MS2724B's continuous 9kHz to 20GHz frequency coverage gives wireless professionals the range necessary for the most demanding harsh RF and physical environments.

Its very low phase noise of typically -104dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset at 2GHz, and 1Hz to 3MHz RBW range make it well suited for spectrum monitoring, security and intelligence needs, RF/microwave measurements, or cellular signal measurements.

Both the MS2721B and MS2723B have similar high performance.

The MS2721B has low phase noise of -100dBc/Hz maximum at 10kHz offset up to 7.1GHz whereas the MS2723B has typical phase noise of -104dBc/Hz at 10kHz offset at 2GHz.

All three new models use the industry-leading Spectrum Master design, which combines high durability with light weight.

The MS2724B and MS2723B are only 3.4kg and the MS2721B is 3.1kg.

All three also have a standard built-in AM/FM/SSB demodulator and built-in preamplifier.

These three models are the first in the Spectrum Master family to feature a quasi-peak detector and CISPR bandwidths for EMC precompliance testing.

RBW range of these units is 1Hz to 3MHz, as well.

Additionally, the MS2721B can be equipped with a tracking generator that provides calibrated output from 400kHz to 7.1GHz with a power range of 0 to -40dBm in 0.1dB steps.

The Spectrum Master design's inherent performance advantages are also realised with the MS2724B, MS2723B and MS2721B.

The MS2721B has best-in-class typical DANL of -163dBm at 1GHz in a 1Hz bandwidth while the MS2723B and MS2724B deliver a DANL of -156dBm at 1GHz (1Hz RBW) with preamplifier on and -139dBm with the preamplifier off.

These instruments have the fastest sweep speeds of any spectrum analyser in their respective classes.

To simplify measurements and ensure accuracy, they also have several smart measurements, including channel power ratio, Carrier to Interference ratio (C/I), and field strength.

Designed for the field, the MS272xB Spectrum Master models have a large display and provide more than two hours of battery life.

Ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope is characterised by new electron optics which now include a spherical aberration correction system.

Hitachi High-Technologies has launched the HD-2700 ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). This instrument is characterised by new electron optics which now include a spherical aberration correction system (developed in collaboration with Ceos). By reducing the performance-limiting spherical aberration, the HD-2700 offers significantly improved resolution and analytical sensitivity, enabling atomic level imaging on many specimens.

The HD-2700 has applications in materials science, semiconductors and nanotechnology, both in research and development and quality control.

High speed, high sensitivity EDX analysis is possible as the HD-2700 can achieve exceptionally high probe current density (10x greater probe current than other models in the HD-series).

This allows extremely rapid acquisition of elemental distribution images, even for elements at low concentration.

Electron energy loss spectrometry is also available for analysis with enhanced spatial resolution and even lower elemental detection limits.

Extremely versatile imaging allows simultaneous multiple-image acquisition and display, with a wide variety of combinations, including secondary electron/bright field, secondary electron/dark field, bright field/dark field, dark field/EDX and dark field/EELS.

A comprehensive digital image management system is also included.

The HD-2700 enjoys the same simplicity of operation as other models in the HD-series with a user interface that is as easy to use as that of an SEM enabling occasional users to produce results only dedicated specialists could achieve in alternative instruments.

The HD-2700 also has sample holders that are fully compatible with the FB-2100 focused ion beam system, ensuring seamless interchange between the instruments for sample preparation and imaging and analysis.

This also provides high sample-throughput so that the HD series can meet varied demands from state-of-the-art R and D to evaluation at the production line.

Rohde and Schwarz has extended the demodulation bandwidth of its R and S FSQ high-end spectrum analyser.

Rohde and Schwarz has extended the demodulation bandwidth of its R and S FSQ high-end spectrum analyser. With the expanded R and S FSQ-B72 option, the instrument now offers 120MHz over the entire frequency range - which extends up to 3.6, 8, 26.5 or 40GHz, depending on the model. In addition to its large bandwidth, the R and S FSQ with the R and S FSQ-B72 option has a very high dynamic range of 70dB.

In combination with the instrument's high measurement quality, the enhancement makes the R and S FSQ the ideal choice for all broadband applications - including the development and production of amplifiers for UMTS or WiMAX, the analysis of satellite signals or measurements on the 802.11n and 802.16 broadband standards.

Inline network tester is claimed to identify and isolate enterprise network and application connectivity problems more than four times faster than traditional methods.

Fluke Networks reckons its NetTool Series II inline network tester with NetProve diagnostics can identify and isolate enterprise network and application connectivity problems more than four times faster than traditional methods. The NetTool Series II's simple one-step NetProve test pinpoints problems so that technicians, regardless of skill level, can quickly and easily recognise the source of the problem. NetTool Series II helps identify whether the problem originates with a device, like a server, switch or router, or an application, like SMTP, FTP or HTTP.

The NetProve test results can be saved as a report to document connectivity status.

NetTool continues to provide a unique view into the actual traffic between the network and end devices such as PCs, VoIP phones, access points, printers and copiers.

With Series II that inline visibility is extended to include gigabit Ethernet links.

Inline testing allows easy identification of device and network configurations and performance issues, reducing troubleshooting time.

NetTool Series II is also a front-line VoIP management tool.

Users can verify link readiness during pre-deployment planning, as well as troubleshoot problems on active networks by monitoring real-time VoIP traffic.

Simple inline connectivity provides visibility into VoIP calls to quickly diagnose both IP phone boot-up and call control problems, and to measure key call quality metrics.

Series II adds H.323 to existing SIP and SCCP support.

Also new to NetTool Series II is advanced power over Ethernet (PoE) detection and measurement.

NetTool can negotiate with Ethernet-based power-sourcing equipment (PSE), acting as a powered device and displaying both voltage and current delivered over the cabling.

This eliminates the need for a separate PoE detector and makes PoE link characterisation and troubleshooting faster and more accurate.

Built into NetTool Series II is an IntelliTone tone generator.

This digital tone generator works with Fluke Networks' IntelliTone probe to safely and effectively locate cables, even on active networks and when terminated at a switch.

This reduces the time needed for cable isolation and identification in typical LAN wiring closets by over 95%.

NetTool Series II is available in two models: NetTool Series II Pro with NetProve and inline testing of 10/100/1000 networks, and NetTool Series II Pro VoIP, which adds the VoIP diagnostic option.

Both models are available for immediate delivery from Fluke Networks' distributors and sales partners worldwide.

The PrimeTest 300 boosts the test productivity of contractors and service engineers by making the safety testing of electronic and electrical appliances faster and easier.

The PrimeTest 300 has been specifically designed to boost the test productivity of contractors and service engineers by making the safety testing of electronic and electrical appliances faster and easier. The lightweight handheld tester incorporates all Class I and Class II required electrical safety tests in a compact user-friendly design. Long life batter power eliminates the reliance on mains supply, reduces downtime between tests and makes the instrument totally practical and portable to use anywhere.

In addition, new Bluetooth technology enables the wireless connection of bar code scanners, label printers and other accessories - allowing totally cable-free testing, without the cumbersome and constant plugging and unplugging of leads and cords.

An intuitive and fast user interface supports straightforward operation and test control in either manual or automatic test modes.

Operating features also include fast start up and a large white backlit graphics display, which is supported by a full alphanumeric keypad, including programmable soft keys for customised test routines.

The PrimeTest 300's large internal memory facilitates the storage of test results for safety audit and traceability purposes.

In addition, as well as test results, the tester can also record other details and descriptions of the equipment under test.

Wireless connection means that stored data can be transferred immediately and directly from the tester to PC-based record keeping systems at the touch of a button.

The PrimeTest 300 can also be used with the special 'Test and Tag' system for the fast and automatic printing of appliance test labels direct from the test instrument.

Versatile digital ohmmeter can be used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of applications.

The Cropico DO4A is a highly versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of applications including electrical bonding resistance, component quality assurance and power system safety applications. The DO4A uses true four-wire measurement to eliminate lead resistance errors across a pushbutton selectable range from 40mohm to 4kohm with respective resolutions between 10uohm and 1ohm. Contained in an aluminium case with a tilted carrying handle, the robust unit is a highly practical instrument that can be used in the workshop, by field or maintenance engineers or as part of more comprehensive electrical test facilities.

Input protection is provided up to 415V RMS.

For ease of operation the control functions have been kept to a minimum and a four digit LCD gives direct readings of the resistance measured, with over range and low battery indicators also provided.

Other special features include an auto zero facility where thermal EMF may cause a large measuring error and warning LEDs to indicate an open circuit lead condition.

Rechargeable batteries provide full portability with over 14 hours of continuous working on the lowest ranges and 28 hours' operation on others.

The Cropico DO4A is supplied ready for immediate use and comes complete with battery, mains cord and measuring leads.

In addition, a wide range of optional accessories including duplex handspikes, other specialist clips, long length leads and wire clamps further extend the instrument's versatility.

The DO4A forms part of a comprehensive range of precision measurement instruments available from Cropico, part of the Seaward Group.

The Rigel 288 has been specifically designed to enable EBME departments and medical equipment service engineers to meet the in-service and post-repair test demands of the IEC60601 standard.

Rigel Medical has introduced an advanced technology handheld electrical medical safety analyser. The Rigel 288 has been specifically designed to enable EBME departments and medical equipment service engineers to meet the in-service and post-repair test demands of the IEC60601 standard, as well as being prepared for the new IEC62353 standard for in-service testing of medical devices. A compact lightweight design and long life battery power reduces downtime between tests, making the instrument totally practical and highly portable for multisite use.

In addition, Bluetooth technology also enables the wireless connection of bar code scanners, label printers and other accessories - allowing totally cable-free testing and data transfer, without the cumbersome plugging and unplugging of leads and cords.

Easy to follow menu driven instructions support ease of operation and test control of all required electrical safety tests in manual, SEMI automatic or fully automatic test modes.

Users also have the facility to select from a range of preset test programs or develop their own customised test routines.

This is particularly important given the current and future requirements for testing medical electronic equipment such as patient monitors, defibrillators and other medical equipment having applied parts or electrical patient connections.

The Rigel 288's large internal memory facilitates the storage of test results for safety audit and traceability purposes.

In addition, as well as storing the results of electrical tests, there is also the ability to record user defined inspections and measurements from other equipment such as SpO2, NIBP, ECG and other electromedical patient equipment.

Comprehensive database software is available to enable fast and easy download of test results, the management of asset databases, the creation of test sequences, scheduling preventative product maintenance and producing test certificates.

Wireless connection means that stored data can be transferred immediately and directly from the tester to PC-based record keeping systems at the touch of a button.

The highly versatile Rigel 288 represents the next generation of electrical safety analysers and has been specifically developed to provide EBME departments and medical service engineers with an all in one handheld test solution.

Software release 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester enables test engineers to retrieve the fastest jitter tolerance test results.

Agilent Technologies has introduced software release 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester that enables test engineers to retrieve the fastest jitter tolerance test results. The next generations of multigigabit devices are emerging throughout the computer, storage and communications industries. Design and validation teams require new test tools that allow efficient and accurate characterisation and conformance testing for these high-speed interfaces.

Agilent's award-winning J-BERT significantly improves jitter tolerance testing of these gigabit receivers.

J-BERT is the only complete jitter tolerance test solution with built-in and calibrated jitter sources.

Automated jitter tolerance tests significantly reduce the programming effort.

The new J-BERT software 4.5 provides the following benefits: one-click jitter tolerance test insight with one-screen results that show all tested points and the test limits; faster device debug with restore of jitter setup by clicking on tested points in the jitter tolerance result screen; quicker documentation of test results with the new all-inclusive jitter tolerance compliance report in HTML format; worst-case testing of computer bus devices with SSC (spread spectrum clocking); SSC can be enabled during the automated jitter tolerance tests; and convenient web-based access to J-BERT's user interface from any remote web location with the new web server.

J-BERT can be operated in far-distance, noisy or environmental test labs even if the user is offsite and has no knowledge of instrument programming.

Agilent's new one-click-results software further accelerates jitter tolerance insight with a one-screen result display that shows all passed and failed tested conditions as well as specification limits.

A jitter setup can now be restored simply by clicking on tested points.

For quicker test documentation, J-BERT now generates all-inclusive jitter tolerance compliance test reports in HTML format.

'Design and validation teams require the most accurate and efficient test equipment to ensure new designs operate robustly and are available in time', said Siegfried Gross, Vice President and General Manager of Agilent's Digital Verification Solutions Division.

'Agilent demonstrates its leadership by continuously providing a complete set of best-in-class tools for physical layer testing for the next generation of gigabit technologies'.

In addition to the new 'one-click jitter tolerance test results', all J-BERTs are now equipped with an improved clock data recovery (CDR) for the error detector.

To support all emerging and proprietary datarates the built-in CDR operates over the complete range of 1 to 12.5Gbit/s.

For optimising the jitter budget and making tests under compliant CDR conditions, the option CTR 'compliant CDR with tunable loop bandwidth' is available.

Installed J-BERTs can be upgraded to the new CDR functionality.

The new software revision 4.5 for the Agilent J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial BERT is available now as a free download from the web.

The new clock data recovery capabilities are also available now for shipment.

Agilent Technologies will demonstrate its wide-ranging portfolio of communications test solutions at 3GSM 2007 World Congress.

Agilent Technologies will demonstrate its wide-ranging portfolio of communications test solutions at 3GSM 2007 World Congress. Agilent's portfolio of design and test solutions addresses the needs of network equipment manufacturers, infrastructure designers, chipset manufacturers and service providers. The conference will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 12th to 15th February 2007.

With communications technology advancing on many fronts and the continuing moves toward convergence, communications companies need application-specific design and test tools that can evolve to meet their changing needs.

This is especially true in an environment where standards are often fluid and not finalised until late in the design and implementation cycle.

At 3GSM 2007 Agilent will demonstrate: new logic analysers that provide digital and stimulus analysis for digital RF solutions (DigRF 3.0x); new wireless libraries for 3G LTE (Long Term Evolution) that are part of Agilent's Advanced Design System (ADS), which is widely used by communications component and equipment designers; a new one box tester design and verification solutions based on the latest release of 3GPP specifications; new manufacturing test solutions that support the draft 802.11n wireless LAN specification that adds MIMO capabilities to increase data throughout and range; new drive-test solutions that allow cellular operators to characterise the performance of their networks; assureME Intelligence, the industry's first solution to manage services and customers in real-time by combining customer experience data with SLA contract information and enterprise data; the latest N2X and network tester solutions for 3G data link integrity and triple play service performance validation; new signal analyser solutions that support the convergence of mobile IP.

Agilent is committed to creating leading-edge design, test and service management solutions for its customers across the value chain, focusing on delivering solutions for customers at the right time and with the right performance.

Companies that design, build and deploy the latest-generation products and services for WiMAX, UMTS (HSDPA, W-CDMA, EGPRS, GPRS and GSM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, UWB and others are using Agilent's products to accelerate their time to market and improve their revenue flows.

'Agilent understands the importance of developing innovative technologies for next generation wireless', said Benoit Neel, Agilent Vice President and General Manager of European Field Operations.

'We are determined to continue to expand our range of innovative wireless communications design and test products and applications in order to open new frontiers, help maximise productivity and provide cost savings'.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has been named recipient of the 2006 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for the digital subscriber line test equipment market by Frost and Sullivan.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has been named recipient of the 2006 Growth Strategy Leadership Award for the digital subscriber line (xDSL) test equipment market by Frost and Sullivan. The award is presented annually to the company whose growth strategy delivers the largest market-share gains in the global xDSL test equipment market. Exfo, a leading supplier of optical and protocol test solutions for network service providers (NSPs) and system vendors, entered the xDSL test equipment market through the acquisition of the assets of Consultronics in January 2006.

Consultronics was a privately held company based in Toronto, Canada, with operations in the UK and Hungary.

It specialised in xDSL, Internet protocol TV (IPTV) and voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) test solutions for the broadband access market.

Consultronics also offered network monitoring probes for VoIP and legacy telephone networks, Gigabit Ethernet/Ethernet analysers for remote testing applications, as well physical characterisation instruments for local copper loops.

Frost and Sullivan estimated that the global xDSL test equipment market reached US $395.3 million in 2005, including $68.0 million for the handheld xDSL test equipment market segment.

Consultronics held a 4.2% market share of the overall xDSL test equipment market and 13.1% market share of the handheld xDSL market segment in 2005, according to Frost and Sullivan.

The handheld market segment is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2005 to 2012.

'Exfo's early success in the xDSL test equipment market is the result of its timely and strategic acquisition of Consultronics', said Gabriel Khon, a Telecom Research Analyst at Frost and Sullivan.

'But the company has gone beyond meeting physical-layer xDSL/copper testing needs of NSPs through the development of higher-layer test capabilities, namely IPTV, VoIP and high-speed Internet test solutions that will be in large demand for characterising triple-play services over broadband access networks in upcoming years'.

Less than six months after the acquisition, Exfo released a new-and-improved xDSL triple-play test set (CoLT-450P) and enhanced VoIP/xDSL/POTS test set (CoVALT) for copper-based broadband access networks.

The CoLT-450P is the first xDSL test set to be specifically designed for assessing the high bit-rate throughput of multiple-channel, high-definition television (HDTV).

The CoVALT is the lone test set on the market that combines the familiar ergonomics, ruggedness and weather-proofing of a telephone lineman's butt set with the tests needed to turn up DSL and VoIP subscribers.

These value-added test solutions enable Exfo to provide customers with a comprehensive product portfolio for all their triple-play testing needs.

'With large-scale deployments of IPTV services just around the corner and the strong focus by NSPs to accelerate their triple-play deployment strategies, the Consultronics acquisition has strategically positioned Exfo to address this significant market opportunity as well as other IP-based testing needs in access networks', said Robert Fitts, Exfo's Vice-President of Product Management, Copper Access Testing.

'Exfo is committed to bring to market best-of-class test solutions for IPTV, triple-play deployments and access networks'.