Tektronix debuts first optical reference receiver for testing 40-Gbit/sec equipment

August 27, 2002 - Tektronix today announced key performance breakthroughs for its communications signal analyzer developed specifically for testing 40-Gbit/sec products.

Optical equipment manufacturers pursuing OC-768/STM-256 technologies, require tools that deliver accurate, repeatable measurements for conformance testing to verify the performance of prototypes and early production samples -- a critical step in bringing advanced technologies to market in a cost-effective manner.

The 80C10 optical and 80E06 electrical sampling modules for the CSA8000B communications signal analyzer are the latest in a series of optical test products designed to speed development of emerging 40-Gbit/sec components and network elements. As the first 40-Gbit/sec optical reference receiver (ORR), the 80C10 optical sampling module makes effective production testing of OC-768/STM-256 elements possible. The 80E06 electrical sampling module, with its 70+ GHz electrical bandwidth, enables manufacturers to more accurately characterize high-speed 40-Gbit/sec components. Tektronix has submitted a recommendation to the International Telecommunication Union proposing guidelines for these ORRs.

"Being the first to offer integrated optical reference receivers for 40 Gbits/sec and continuing to push both optical and electrical bandwidth higher, underscores Tektronix' enabling role in evolving a new generation of optical communications products," said Rick King, vice president, Optical Business, Tektronix. "This achievement sets the stage for design and manufacturing solutions that will support product prototyping, pilot production and ultimately, full-scale production of 40-Gbit/sec components and network elements."

Optical reference receivers a necessity for OC-768/STM-256 development

The 80C10 optical sampling module with integrated ORRs, provides a predictable, normalized response environment for measurements, a requirement for repeatability in production testing. With its 40-Gbit/sec-capable ORR, the 80C10 is the first to support both the ITU-T G.709 forward-error-correction standard (43.018 Gbits/sec) and the standard for OC-768/STM-256 (39.018 Gbits/sec).

With its 65-GHz optical bandwidth capability, the 80C10 adds needed measurement headroom to ensure stable, high-confidence measurements on 40-Gbit/sec data streams. The new bandwidth benchmark is implemented in a plug-in module designed for the CSA8000B communications signal analyzer. Improved characterization of non-return to zero and return-to-zero optical signals will speed engineers' development work on emerging OC-768/STM-256 optical components and network elements.

The 80E06 electrical sampling module, with its 70+ GHz electrical bandwidth, allows users to characterize high-speed 40-Gbit/sec components. The modules ultra-high bandwidth, coupled with its low noise, provides signal fidelity in the acquired signal.

The CSA8000B communications signal analyzer is a high-performance modular sampling oscilloscope and analysis platform for optical signal measurements. It accommodates multiple sampling modules and can be configured to address any of the prevailing data communications formats and optical communication data rates in operation today. The instrument carries out a number of automated measurements and supports them with high performance in its key specification areas, including signal fidelity and jitter.

Pricing and availability

The 80C10 optical sampling module and 80E06 electrical sampling module are available for order now with a four- to six-week delivery from receipt of order. Pricing starts at $65,000 for the 80C10 and $22,000 for the 80E06. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in more than 20 countries worldwide. For more information about the modules, please visit the company's Web site at www.tektronix.com .