Tektronix, Inc. says its OM4000 series optical modulation analyzer can now drive the DSA8300 digital sampling oscilloscope to perform analysis on complex modulation formats, with higher vertical bit resolution than real-time based alternatives at lower total system cost. The system can analyze PM-QPSK, QAM, and other complex-modulation signals, with an enhanced vertical resolution of 16 bits.
Tektronix says it the only supplier to offer a single modulation analyzer that works with both real-time and equivalent-time (sampling) oscilloscopes. With this enhancement to the OM4000, Tektronix is giving optical networking designers and manufacturers the flexibility to choose between real-time and equivalent-time acquisition systems to suit their measurement needs.
The company had given the concept a test run at the OFC/NFOEC conference this past March (see “New in 100G lab test: An OFC/NFOEC 2012 Reporter's Notebook”). The new capability provides competition to Southern Photonics, which has offered its IQScope optical modulation analyzer paired with digital sampling scopes, including those from Tektronix (see “Southern Photonics launches optical modulation analyzer based on equivalent-time oscilloscopes”).
The company says the OM4000 paired with the DSA8300 is ideal for network equipment manufacturers and designers who require higher vertical resolution than can be accomplished with real-time oscilloscopes, or who are looking to reduce system costs.
Key capabilities provided by the DSA8300 in this application include:
- 16-bit vertical resolution and 450 µV RMS noise floor at 60 GHz for added dynamic range and accuracy.
- Up to 60 GHz of bandwidth on four channels to help future-proof the system for next generation baud rates.
- Timing jitter as low as 450 fs RMS to enable visibility into real signal performance.
"As the worldwide demand for bandwidth continues to grow at a rapid pace, our customers are being asked to find ways to increase the efficiency, data rates and reliability of optical network equipment while at the same time reducing cost," said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. "With this enhancement to the OM4000 Series, we are meeting these needs with cost-saving flexibility, higher vertical resolution and future-proof levels of measurement bandwidth."
Tektronix’s OM4000 series optical modulation analyzers enable efficient and accurate characterization of serial communications in fiber at 100 Gbps and beyond. With coherent lightwave analysis capabilities, Tektronix provides the acquisition and display of constellation diagrams, Q plots, polarization analysis, and source laser stability to better understand fiber-based signal quality.
OM4000 support for the DSA8300 oscilloscope is available for order now, with delivery starting in June.
For more information on test equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.