A PAM4 Error Detector (ED) supportes market-leading 116-Gb/sec bit error rate tests for the Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A series. With the new module installed, the MP1900A is the only instrument to achieve error-free measurement of PAM4 signals at 116 Gbit/sec with industry-best operation bit rates and high Rx sensitivity performance. Combined with the previously released MP1900A series PAM4 Pattern Generator that supports high-accuracy BER measurements of PAM4 signals, the BERT allows engineers to accurately evaluate bit error rates of 400 GbE/800 GbE communications equipment and devices.

The enhanced MP1900A addresses the expected exponential increase in data communications traffic associated with the spread of next-generation 5G mobile communications. In addition, data centers supporting fast and large-capacity traffic are switching to the 400 GbE communications standard using the 53.125-Gbaud PAM4 x 4 lane method and are also evaluating the future switch to 800 GbE using 8 lanes.

Since the PAM4 method representing data with four amplitude levels has gaps between signal levels one-third that of the two-level NRZ approach, measuring instruments for evaluating signal quality must have much higher input sensitivity performance. In addition to fast speeds, the impact of transmission path losses in printed circuit boards, cables, components, and similar devices on measurement results cannot be ignored.

Evaluating the genuine performance of the measured device under test (DUT) not only requires excellent fundamental performance, such as sensitivity and bandwidth, but also a highly integrated solution with functions, such as clock recovery and an equalizer for correcting loss effects. To meet these needs, Anritsu has developed the new ED with built-in clock recovery and equalizer to implement a PAM4 BER measuring instrument with market-leading high performance.

The market-leading Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A is a bit error rate tester for communications speeds of 400G and faster, supporting high-speed signal generation and signal performance analysis. With a built-in high-bandwidth and high-input-sensitivity Rx circuit, the newly released PAM4 ED MU196040B module supports error-free measurement of 100-Gbit/s PAM4 input signals even at a low input amplitude of just 36 mV typical. Furthermore, the built-in clock-recovery and equalizer functions support high-reproducibility jitter stress and ISI stress tests of transceiver input circuits using an easily configured equipment setup.

Anritsu Co., 450 Century Pkwy #190, Allen, TX 75013, www.anritsu.com