Anritsu BERTWave conducts BER measurements and eye pattern analysis simultaneously

APRIL 6, 2010 -- Anritsu Co. has introduced the MP2100A BERTWave series. The series offers a single-instrument approach that can conduct 10-Gbps BER measurements and eye pattern analysis simultaneously. By combining these two measurements into a single instrument, the BERTWave series significantly reduces instrument costs and measurement times, making it a superior alternative for manufacturers to verify the performance of their active optical devices and modules in Anritsu’s view. Designed with a built-in mixed remote command function for batch-processing multiple measurement commands, the BERTWave can conduct BER measurements in 10 ms, approximately 30% faster than comparable test instruments, Anritsu asserts. Eye pattern analysis is also conducted much faster with the BERTWave, says the company, due to the instrument’s support of high-speed sampling. For example, mask tests can be performed in approximately 12 sec. Additionally, the BERTWave has a tracking function that eliminates setting changes for Tx and Rx signals. The BERTWave series is designed with a Bessel filter with ideal frequency characteristics that support high-accuracy extinction ratio measurements. Anritsu says the measurement accuracy is very high because the calibration is conducted with a reference light source that holds error to less than ±0.05 dB (typical). Additionally, a correction function automatically adjusts the measured extinction ratio to assure correlation with other instruments. The instrument is simple to operate, Anritsu says. The BERTWave has a 12.1-inch wide touch-panel display, yet measures 221 (H) x 341 (W) x 180 (D) mm and weighes less than 7 kg. The BERTWave consumes <300 VA of power, which also reduces operating expenses. Customers can tailor the MP2100A configuration according to their testing requirements. In addition to the all-in-one platform, the BERTWave series includes the MP2101A, a BER tester that supports 8.5 to 11.32 Gbps, and the MP2102A, an eye/pulse pattern tester that supports high-speed mask tests. Upgrading either of the latter instruments into an all-in-one instrument can be done easily, Anritsu says. The MP2100A all-in-one platform is priced at $60,800 while the MP2101A is $29,300 and the MP2102A is $40,500. Delivery is 4 to 6 weeks. Visit Anritsu