Testing Broadband CATV Amplifiers

Application Notes

Simple test system saves time and enhances amplifier characterization

Since the mid-1990s, cable access television (CATV) providers have been pushing to offer more services and greater bandwidth. Within any such CATV system, bidirectional broadband amplifiers are the key to carrying high quality video and audio signals to and from every subscriber.

A typical CATV amplifier provides the following functions:

– Supports multi-channel transmission by amplifying signals over a wide bandwidth

– Ensures signal quality by minimizing distortion and frequency fluctuation

– Provides variable gain to compensate for changing conditions

These amplifiers must be capable of handling both analog and digital signals. For digital signals that carry complex modulation schemes, the key measures of signal quality are either error vector magnitude (EVM) or the closely related modulation error ratio (MER)1. The most efficient way to measure amplifier EVM or MER is to apply a complex wideband signal and measure the resulting output with a signal analyzer and vector signal analysis (VSA) software. Creating highly realistic input signals requires the use of an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) such as the 12 GSa/s Keysight Technologies, Inc. M8190A.

Unlock Content

*Indicates required field

Change email? Email*Required Field

First Name*Required Field

Last Name* Required Field

Country / Area*Required Field

Company*Required Field

Industry*Required Field

Years of experience*Required Field

Job Level*Required Field

Job Responsibility*Required Field

Job Role*Required Field

Yes, keep me updated on the latest products, resources, and events with personalized email updates.

Would you like to speak to sales about your needs at this time? Not at this time Yes

Preferred method of communication? *Required Field

Phone*Required Field

Please have a sales representative contact me.

By clicking the button, you are providing Keysight with your personal data. See the Keysight Privacy Statement for information on how we use this data.

Thank you.

Your form has been successfully submitted.

Note: Clearing your browser cache will reset your access. To regain access to the content, simply sign up again.

Please have a salesperson contact me.

*Indicates required field

Preferred method of communication? *Required Field

Change email? Email

Phone*Required FieldPlease enter a valid phone number without spaces or special characters.

Yes, keep me updated on the latest products, resources, and events with personalized email updates.

By clicking the button, you are providing Keysight with your personal data. See the Keysight Privacy Statement for information on how we use this data.

Thank you.

A sales representative will contact you soon.

What are you looking for?

Welcome

Testing Broadband CATV Amplifiers

What are you looking for?