Coherent Solutions Ltd. and SmarTest Electronics Co. Ltd. Say they will partner to combine their respective test expertise to address the requirements of high-volume 400G optical transceiver test and measurement. The exclusive agreement enables Coherent Solutions to leverage SmarTest’s bit-Error-rate testers (BERT) and pulse pattern generators (PPGs; see, for an early example, "SmarTest debuts with 14.5-Gbps programmable pattern generators and bit error rate testers"), initially in single-platform test systems.
The effort will see Coherent Solutions build on its PXI BERT for 100G transceiver test for creation of PXI-based PAM4 BERTs that will accommodate four or eight lanes at 25 Gbaud with onboard forward error correction. The company expects to launch at least the first of these in the fourth quarter of this year.
“We’ve talked extensively to customers and looked at test and measurement solutions on the market, and it's clear that manufacturers are looking for simpler, integrated, and cost-effective test and measurement solutions for transceiver testing,” explained Andy Stevens, CEO of Coherent Solutions. “By extending our electrical test capability with SmarTest’s technology and using our existing range of PXI optical test modules, our integrated PXI test systems for 400G transceivers will simplify integration, increase test throughput, and reduce the system footprint which will dramatically lower the cost of test for transceiver manufacturers.”
“This partnership gives us a real opportunity to focus on the current 400G and 800G PAM4 development while we benefit from Coherent Solutions’ broad product portfolio and market reach,” added Federico Lipparini, co-founder of SmarTest. “We are focused on delivering innovative NRZ and PAM4 test solutions for optical transceiver testing which requires high channel density and pristine signal integrity. Designing on the PXI platform allows us to deliver the complete electrical and optical solution in a reliable, modular, and cost-effective form factor.”
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