Test and measurement instrument developer pocketBERT has extended its range of miniature instruments with the pB100A, a fully integrated quad 25.78125-, 27.95-, and 28.05-Gbps PRBS generator and checker and BER calculator unit.
The 210x160x90-mm unit is designed to recover 100GBASE-R4, OTL4, or 128G Fibre Channel compliant data streams. The pB100A is controlled through a USB link to a PC. The graphical user interface configures and controls the individual four data lanes to match the application-specific setup for the electrical or optical links or components under test, says the company.
Each output and input can be adjusted individually for transmitter pre- and post-cursor emphasis and receiver peaking. Next to the standard PRBS patterns (231-1, 223-1, 215-1, 29-1, 27-1, square wave eight-ones and eight-zeroes), the device supports a programmed 128-bit custom-defined pattern.
The unit uses an internal programmable clock generator, which means external clocks aren't required. However, an external reference clock can be applied if needed.
Additional receiver features include:
- 40 mVppd minimum input sensitivity on 28 Gbps
- Integrated peaking and limiting amplifier
- Internal 100-Ohm termination on CML inputs
- Separate reporting on "0" and "1" error counts
- Optional eye monitoring capability.
Samples of the pB100A will be available by the end of the first quarter of this year. The company quotes pricing as $17,500.00 ex works San Diego.
It joins the pocketBERT pB10A, which is designed for 10-Gbps applications (see "pocketBERT pB10A offers 10G CDR, BERT, clock synthesis in single handheld package").
For more information on test instruments and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.