Averna's DOCSIS Channel Emulator (DCE) simulates a real-time cable network between the CMTS and CPE. It can acquire, impair and generate up to 24 downstream channels. FPGA processing allows impairments such as micro-reflections, phase noise and AWGN to be added in real time. The device is suitable for vendors testing DOCSIS and EuroDOCSIS products, but one Diamonds judge stressed that it also could be useful for MSOs in validating new modem modulation profiles or as part of their internal product validation.

The DCE is powered by National Instruments' vector signal tranceiver, which allows the number of supported channels to be increased without increasing the DCE's hardware footprint. It differs from other solutions on the market, which use two hardware-based instruments paired together to process one channel, Averna says.www.averna.comSee them at Cable-Tec Expo, Booth 1020Return to the BTR Diamond Technology Reviews Elite.