A series of four portable, digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) priced 20% lower than equivalent products with comparable quality, performance and features, signals the entry into the low-cost oscilloscope marketplace by Agilent Technologies Inc., Palo Alto CA.

With bandwidths of 60, 100, 150 and 200MHz, the DSO3000 series provides two channels and a color display with almost 20% more waveform viewing area. Agilent says.

They are intended for engineers and technicians in communications, computing, industrial, government, aerospace and defense, and consumer industries as well as educators teaching electronics principles.

"The new DSO3000 Series provides exceptional performance for the price," Ron Nersesian, Agilent vice president and general manager, Design Validation Division, says. "Agilent not only provides color on every model, but offers features, such as a dual-time base display, that have only been available in more expensive models. Customers now have a clear choice among first-tier vendors in the value segment of the oscilloscope market."

The scopes provide 1GSps maximum sample rate, 4k memory per channel and a 5.7-inch display. The front-panel design looks and operates like one of the maker's typical portable scopes, with dedicated knobs for each channel, easy control of the main and delayed time bases, and menu keys grouped by function. An optional software connect package simplifies printing and controlling the instruments via USB.

Several factors led to the introduction of the new series, Agilent says. Low cost, off-the-shelf technology is now available that enables key performance specifications and makes possible the addition of important extra features such as color.