Tektronix targets 100G and 400G with new test equipment

Tektronix, Inc. has targeted new test and measurement offerings at short range and long haul 100-Gbps fiber-optic networks. Both the 80C15 32-GHz Multi-Mode Optical Sampling Module and the OM5110 46GBaud Multi-format Optical Transmitter are debuting at the European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) in London. Both systems will support test requirements in such applications as silicon photonic components, network elements, and systems, as well coherent modulation formats.

"With the 80C15, Tektronix is responding to market needs for a highly accurate multi-mode short reach testing solution that can be used both in the lab and production environments," said Brian Reich, general manager, performance oscilloscopes, at Tektronix. "And to address the strong demand for more efficient long haul transmission over existing fiber, an instrument-grade optical transmitter such as the OM5110 will help researchers and designers gain a deeper understanding of coherent optical modulation methods."

The 32-GHz 80C15 multi-mode optical sampling module is used with the company’s DSA8300 Series Sampling Oscilloscopes and provides high-fidelity acquisition of 850-nm and 1310-nm multimode signals, according to Tektronix. It offers tightly controlled frequency response to help enable repeatable automated compliance testing for all of the short reach standards from 22 to 32 GHz, the company says.

The DSA8300 series equipped with the 80C15 provides low instrumentation noise and phase noise (jitter) for <100-fs RMS electrical and optical jitter measurements. It also offers the test margin needed to accurately measure the low power signals used in short reach applications, Tektronix adds. It also supports mask testing including mask margins based on standard specified hit ratios.

On the long-haul end of the communications equation, the OM5110 modulates all common formats including BPSK, PM- QPSK, and PM-16QAM up to 46 GBaud with both fully automated and manual bias control of modulator and RF amplifiers, says Tektronix. The feature set provides users complete configurability and versatility, the company adds.

Tektronix asserts the advent of the OM5110 makes the company the only test and measurement vendor to offer a complete coherent optical test system from signal generation, to modulation, acquisition, and analysis. Other elements of such a setup include the AWG70001A 50 GS/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator, the OM4106D Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyzer, and DPO73304DX Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope.

The OM5110 offers built-in C or L band lasers along with support for external lasers. Automatic bias control supports quick setup and easy operation of the modulator while the manual bias control capability offers the ability to control of all bias voltages for testing specific scenarios, Tektronix says. The system’s software provides control of all operating parameters via Ethernet, including laser power and bias control.

The 80C15 will be available in early 2014 with prices starting at $55,000 MSRP. The OM5110 will be available by the end of this year with prices starting at $120,000 MSRP.

For more information on test equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.