Breakthrough Precision in RF and Microwave Field Measurements

Steve Westerman

Mr. Steve Westerman
Handheld Products R&D Project Manager
Agilent Technologies

Thu, 09/05/2013

Abstract –Agilent Technologies has developed a new handheld instrument, the Microwave FieldFox, powered by integrated circuits designed at the High Frequency Technology Center in Santa Rosa. This versatile tool delivers laboratory-grade measurement capabilities to 26.5GHz, combining a full 2-port Vector Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, Independent Source, Power Meter, Cable Antenna Tester, Vector Voltmeter, DC Supply, and much more in a portable, 6-pound package that is fieldrugged and battery-operated. Before the advent of this instrumentation technology, this measurement breadth and capability required a 300-pound rack of instruments. Come and hear the FieldFox story, and see a demonstration of its capabilities.

Mr. Steve Westerman manages hardware research and development for the FieldFox Handheld Analyzer organization at Agilent Technologies, Inc., in the Component Test Division (CTD). Steve earned his BSEE from Washington State University and MSEE from Stanford University, and joined Hewlett-Packard in 1982 as a production engineer in the Signal Analysis Division. He moved to the R&D department in 1990, where he designed highfrequency microcircuits and printed circuit assemblies for Spectrum and Network Analyzers. His chief areas of contribution are front ends, samplers, amplifiers, Yttrium-Iron-Garnet (YIG) systems, phased-locked loops, and frequency references. He holds 4 patents and 1 defensive publication. In his spare time he enjoys gardening with wife Heidi, foreign travel and language study, and playing the piano.

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