March 18, 2003--Test and measurement equipment supplier Tektronix (Beaverton, OR), announced a series of optical sampling oscilloscope modules designed for its communications signal analyzer platform, which can perform the measurements required for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. The new modules are the first to support a full range of 10 Gigabit Ethernet forward error correction (FEC) rate measurements, and user definable continuous clock recovery, according to the company.
The market for components and network elements used in metro-area LANs and industrial campuses is expanding as network operators look for affordable ways to add capacity in high-demand areas. Component and equipment manufacturers are working with numerous industry standards, wavelengths, and fiber types to optimize their designs for specific transmission spans. They are also exploring emerging standards such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet FEC and using cost reduction technologies such as directly modulated lasers to design a new generation of 10 Gigabit Ethernet LAN products. Aggressive project deadlines and cost constraints preclude using separate tools for this wide range of optical measurements.
The new 80C08C and 80C11 optical sampling modules for Tektronix' CSA8000 series communications signal analyzers meet the full range of 10 Gigabit Ethernet measurement needs--all LAN and WAN standards (including emerging 10 Gigabit Ethernet FEC), all fiber types, masks, wavelengths, and clock rates.
The 80C08C optical module delivers top measurement performance in the areas of signal-to-noise, optical sensitivity, and test throughput, according to the company. It is well matched to the manufacturing test needs of emerging 10 Gigabit Ethernet components and network elements. With its amplified optical-to-electrical converter, the 80C08C allows users to examine low power optical signals from the directly modulated lasers used in 10 Gigabit Ethernet LAN technologies. The module's exceptional accuracy supports narrow measurement margins in production testing, maximizing yield. The 80C08C is a broad-wavelength (700 to 1650 nm), multi-rate (9.953 Gbits/sec to 11.0957 Gbits/sec), singlemode and multimode tool that is suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet data communications applications as well as telecommunications.
The 80C11 is a long wavelength (1100 to 1650 nm) product with an optical bandwidth up to 30 GHz. It is well suited for 10-Gbit/sec G.709 telecommunications optical component testing and characterization, particularly those designs based on externally modulated lasers.
Both modules embody important industry "firsts," according to the company. Anticipating designer's needs for flexibility and rate support, these devices are the first to support emerging 10 Gigabit Ethernet FEC measurements with the requisite filters, masks, etc. Secondly, they are the only products of their kind to offer user definable continuous rate clock recovery from 9.8 Gbits/sec to 12.6 Gbits/sec, in addition to standard data communications and telecommunications rates.
The Tektronix 80C08C and 80C11 optical sampling modules are available for order now with a four- week delivery from receipt of order. Pricing for the 80C08C starts at U.S. $28,700 and U.S. $29,900 for the 80C11.