Anritsu offers 116-Gbps PAM4 error detection via MP1900A

Nov. 7, 2019
A new module, used in combination with the MP1900A series PAM4 pattern generator, enables engineers to accurately measure bit error rates of 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 800GbE communications equipment and devices.

Anritsu Co. has released the MU196040B PAM4 error detector (ED) module for the Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A series that enables 116-Gbps bit error rate tests. The module, used in combination with the MP1900A series PAM4 pattern generator (see "Anritsu enhances MP1900A BER test capabilities for 400GbE transceiver, DSP verification"), enables engineers to accurately measure bit error rates of 400 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 800GbE communications equipment and devices, Anritsu asserts.

PAM4 has become the consensus approach to supporting 100GbE transmission, particularly as a building block toward 400GbE and eventual 800GbE designs. Anritsu notes that the use of PAM4 modulation creates a requirement for higher input sensitivity than when using NRZ as well as the integration of such functions as clock recovery and equalization to correct loss effects. The new ED features built-in clock recovery and an equalizer to enable a PAM4 BER measuring instrument with what the company asserts is market-leading performance.

With a built-in high-bandwidth and high-input-sensitivity Rx circuit, the ED MU196040B module supports error-free measurement of 100-Gbps PAM4 input signals even at an input amplitude of 36 mV typical, Anritsu states. The built-in clock-recovery and equalizer functions support highly reproducible jitter stress and ISI stress tests of transceiver input circuits using an easily configured equipment setup, the company adds.

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.

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