MARCH 16, 2010 -- Tektronix Inc., manufacturer of oscilloscopes, announced that the acquisition system of the Tektronix DPO72004B oscilloscope combined with OM4105 and OM4106 Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyzers from Optametra deliver the ability to visualize and measure coherent polarization multiplexed quadrature phase shift keying (PM-QPSK) signals in real time.
Optical transmission rates above 10 Gb/s increase signal distortion caused by fiber impairments. To solve this problem, the industry is turning to PM-QPSK paired with coherent detection. This complex modulation scheme gives carriers the ability to grow data rates significantly over their existing fiber infrastructure.
The challenges of testing PM-QPSK are considerable, involving a complex optical modulator and demodulator, and real-time signal capture on 4 channels simultaneously. When paired with Tektronix' 20GHz oscilloscopes, Optametra's signal analyzers are the first commercial tools to measure and display the full optical field of coherent signals at these bandwidths. Using an open-architecture MATLAB-based computational engine, Optametra's solutions provide in-phase and quadrature eye diagrams, constellations, data waveforms, bit-error ratios (BER) for both polarizations of light in fiber, and record/playback. A graphical user interface controls frequently used instrument functions.
To support customers making 100G optical measurements, Optametra purchased the Tektronix DPO72004B oscilloscope. In turn, many of Optametra customers are selecting the same Tektronix oscilloscope as well because of the need for a fast realtime acquisition system with very high signal integrity across 4 channels.
The four-channel DPO70000B Series oscilloscopes combine bandwidth of 20 GHz with the highest waveform capture rate, best signal fidelity, and lowest noise floor, says a company official. They provide support on all channels simultaneously for high bandwidth, deep memory, fast sample rate, and fast waveform capture rate.
Tektronix and Optametra will provide a joint demonstration of the solution during the OFC/NFOEC conference March 23-25 in San Diego, Calif. To view the joint demonstration, visit Tektronix booth #1543 or Optametra booth #1406.