Modular Systems

Synchronization of up to four M8195A AWG modules or 16 independent channels for complex signal scenarios

Precise alignment for repeatable measurements

• one trigger input can trigger up to 4 M8195A modules with a delay accuracy of ±20 ps
• skew repeatability of 1 ps between modules independent of sampling rate
• skew resolution of 50 fs between modules

1 U AXIe module for high port density

The Keysight M8197A is a synchronization module for up to 4 M8195A modules. Using the M8197A, a fully synchronous system with up to 16 channels per AXIe 5-slot chassis can be realized. The M8197A also provides a dynamic control input / general purpose output that can be used with one or more M8195A modules.

Typical applications:

• multi-lane serial applications
• phase coherent multi-channel I / Q signal generation up to 8 I/Q pairs
• phase coherent multi-channel IF / RF generation with up to 16 IF / RF signals
• physics
• MIMO  

M8290A Modular Coherent Test Solution

The Keysight M8290A optical modulation analyzer and high-speed digitizer test solution is a flexible platform for up to 400G coherent devices and transmitter test. It incorporates a 92 GSa/s modular optical modulation analyzer and a 92 GSa/s four-channel electrical digitizer. The platform has an additional arbitrary waveform generator module up to 92 GSa/s to add to the same AXIe chassis. This setup is a compact and flexible test solution and easily integrates with software for integrated, coherent receiver (ICR) and coherent optical device (COD) module characterization.

• Compact and flexible AXIe modular form factor
• Maximum symbol rate at 74 Gbaud
• Sample rate at 83 to 92 GSa/s
• Maximum record length at 512 k samples
• Eight-bit ADC resolution

Applications

• Coherent optical transmitter testing
• Coherent receiver ICR testing
• Coherent optical transmit and receive devices

12 GSa/s Streaming Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Functionality

• Highest performance streaming arbitrary waveform generator with up to 12 GSa/s
• Full rate, gapless streaming of raw or I/Q samples from compatible storage, DSP, digitizers or custom hardware
• Up to 2 channels in a 2U AXIe module, controlled via external PC or AXIe system controller
• 1 or 2 channel AWG module with
  • 14-bit resolution up to 8 GSa/s
  • 12-bit resolution up to 12 GSa/s
• Variable sample rate from 1 GSa/s to 8 or 12 GSa/s
• Analog bandwidth up to 5 GHz
• Spurious-free-dynamic range (SFDR) up to -90 dBc typical
• Harmonic distortion (HD) up to -72 dBc typical
• Internal broadband clock synthesizer with optional low-phase-noise clock input
• Optional real-time digital signal processing in Keysight Technologies, Inc. proprietary ASIC for digital up-conversion to IF1

Performance

• 12 bit resolution up to 12 GSa/s
• 14 bit resolution up to 8 GSa/s
• Analog Bandwidth up to 5 GHz
• Spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) -90 dBc @ 100 MHz

Optical data interface

• 2 x 160 Gb/s optical streaming interface
• Supports full rate, gapless streaming of samples into the M8121A from compatible storage, digital signal processing (DSP) or digitizer devices or custom hardware
• Synchronization input for deterministic latency e.g. from a digitizer input to M8121A output

Two output paths for different applications

• Direct DAC — optimized for best SFDR & HD
  • SFDR up to -90 dBc (typ), out = 100 MHz, measured DC to 2 GHz
  • Amplitude 350 mVpp ... 700 mVpp, offset –20 mV ... +20 mV
  • Differential output
• Optional DC coupled amplifier
  • Amplitude 500 mVpp ... 1.0 Vpp; (over-programming down to 150 mV possible)
  • Output voltage window: –1.0 V … +3.3 V
  • Differential output

M8192A multi-channel synchronization module

• Phase coherent synchronization of up to six M8121A modules (= 12 channels)
• One trigger input can trigger up to six M8121A modules with deterministic latency
• Skew can be adjusted with 50 fs delay resolution between any two channels
• 1U AXIe module for high port density

Applications

• Aerospace and defense
• Communications
• Electronics test
• High-energy physics

Functionality

• 5 slots for AXIe instrument modules
• Embedded AXIe system module
• High Power, up to 300W Cooling per slot
• Optional GPS synchronization and time stamping
• Optional integrated backside controller for digitizers (M9506A-BC1), enabling secure SCPI over LAN functionality

Performance characteristics

• Configurable, dual-port Gen 3 PCIe interface for connecting the chassis to an external controller and/or interconnecting multiple chassis (up to 16 GB/s data rate depending on configuration)
• Gen 3 PCIe x16 links to each module slot (maximum 16 GB/s data rate)
• Thunderbolt^TM 3 interface provides an alternative connection to a Thunderbolt-equipped laptop or desktop computer

The Keysight M9506A is a high-performance AXIe chassis and is the best choice for demanding, modular applications. The chassis is compliant with the AXIe 1.0 Rev 3.0 Wide-AXIe specification. It provides 5 slots for AXIe instrument modules, up to 300 watts per slot, and includes an embedded system module that does not take up an instrument slot. The embedded system module (ESM) provides a Gen 3 x8/x16 PCIe® interfaces for connecting the chassis to an external controller or expanding the system using multiple chassis. To minimize rack space, the instrument module slots are arranged horizontally. The chassis is the quietest AXIe chassis available with its new cooling design.

The M9506A-BC1 options adds a closed, instrument-grade, Linux-based controller to the back of the M9506A chassis. It was developed to enhance security for high channel count digitizer applications, bringing the ease of use of traditional benchtop together with the benefits of a modular platform. A simple LAN connection gives you easy SCPI based control of many channels in a small space.

The M9506A-GPS option adds GPS synchronization ability along with an external antenna port on the front panel. It provides an accurate 1 PPS output and the 10/100 MHz reference can be locked to this clock. The PPS signal can be propagated to trigger I/O and trigger events can be timestamped. Other GPS information is also provided including latitude, longitude, and altitude.

Applications

• Transportable applications (can also be rack-mounted)

Functionality

• 2 slots for AXIe instrument modules
• Embedded AXIe system module
• High Power, 200W Cooling per slot

Performance characteristics

• Gigabit LAN connection to each module slot
• Gen 2 PCIe x8 interface to system controller provide up to a 4 GB/s data rate from external controller
• Gen 2 PCIe x4 links to each module slot (maximum 2 GB/s data rate)

The M9502A AXIe Chassis is fully compatible with the AXIe 1.0 specification. It includes an embedded system module (ESM) that does not take up an instrument slot. This system module performs the chassis management functions contained in the AXIe specification. Additionally, it provides PCI and LAN interfaces for connection to an external computer, external clock and trigger connectors, and Keysight-exclusive, inter-chassis synchronization connectors. The local bus implemented in the M9502A provides the maximum 62 pairs allowed by the AXIe specification. Combine the M9502A with the M9048A PCIe Desktop Adaptor to achieve the highest system bandwidth.

The M9502A is perfect for transportable applications that require the higher performance of AXIe. It can also be installed in a rack and the instrument modules slots are arranged horizontally to minimize rack space. This arrangement combined with a high-performance cooling system allows the chassis to be racked in only 2U of space. The M9502A is also designed to be easily maintained as both the power supply and fan tray can be removed while the chassis remains in the rack.

• cascade two ISI channels to emulate a wide range of channel loss with fine steps
• four short ISI channels of 8, 9, 11, and 13 inches (M8048A-001)
• four long ISI channels of 14, 16, 24, and 34 inches (M8048A-002)
• differential channels
• small size to locate closely to device under test

The M8048A ISI Channels can be used to emulate channel loses in receiver test setups. A choice of eight PC board traces with different lengths can be inserted into the signal path. The eight trace lengths range from 7.7 inch (196 mm) to 34.4 inch (874 mm). By cascading the traces within one box or with the other box, a wide range of channels can be emulated with very fine resolution steps. With their small size, the ISI channels can be located closely to the device under test. The cascadable ISI channels are complemented by Keysight’s compliance channels for SATA, DisplayPort, PCI Express, and HDMI.

Learn more about Keysight Modular Instruments

Precision AWG with two DAC settings

• 14-bit resolution up to 8 GSa/s
• 12-bit resolution up to 12 GSa/s

High-speed arbitrary waveform generators

• Variable sample rate from 125 MSa/s to 8 / 12 GSa/s
• Spurious-free-dynamic range (SFDR) up to 90 dBc typical
• Up to 2 GSa arbitrary waveform memory per channel with advanced sequencing
• Analog bandwidth up to 5GHz

Unique Performance – Unique Value

• Up to 90 dBc SFDR - Tones clearly stand out of noise (Even with thousands of tones)
• 2 GSa memory per channel - Realistic signal scenarios with long playtime
• 5 GHz analog bandwidth - Mimic analog imperfections with custom ISI

Key applications

• Radar, Satellite, Electronic Warfare, Multilevel Signals
• ADC testing (Analog Digital Converter testing), Jitter Margin Testing
• Digital Video, Noise Power Ratio Measurement, Wireless HD, HDMI, MHL
• IEEE 802.11ad, CaTV, OFDM, Software Defined Radio

Enhance your reality - with the M8190A 12 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator

From low-observable systems to high-density comms, testing is more realistic with precision arbitrary waveform generation. Now you can take reality to the extreme: A Keysight AWG is the source of greater fidelity, delivering high resolution and wide bandwidth – simultaneously. This unique combination lets you create signal scenarios that push your design to the limit and bring new insight to your analysis. Get bits and bandwidth – and enhance your reality.

The M8190A AWG works with all leading software platforms

MATLAB software, BenchLink Waveform Builder Pro Software , Wideband Waveform Center for wideband modulation in 60 GHz wireless communications and more.

Additional Information:

• Also available as M8190S Multichannel Arbitrary Waveform Generator System. Two multi-channel selections are available:
• 4-channel system: Consists of one M9505A 5-slot AXIe chassis (M8190S-B04), one M8192A synchronization module, and two M8190A AWG modules, including the required number of clock and trigger cables
• 8-channel system: Consists of two M9505A 5-slot AXIe chassis (M8190S-B08), one M8192A synchronization module, and four M8190A AWG modules, including the required number of clock and trigger cables

AWG with the Highest Combination of Speed, Bandwidth and Channel Density

The Keysight Technologies, Inc. M8194A arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) has the highest sample rate and the widest bandwidth in its class with up to 4 synchronized channels operating simultaneously in one module.

• AWG with the highest combination of speed, bandwidth, and channel density
• 1, 2, or 4 differential channels on a 1-slot AXIe module enable optimized channel density
• 120 GSa/s sample rate
• arbitrary signal generation with frequency content up to 50 GHz
• synchronization across modules
• 8-bit vertical resolution
• 512 kSamples per channel (enables PRBS 2¹⁵-1)

Designed to meet the requirements of 64 GBd / 64 QAM and 100 GBd PAM4, the M8194A addresses coherent optical and multi-level / multi-channel digital signal requirements. The M8194A is one of Keysight's high-speed AWGs, delivering 120 GSa/s and bandwidth up to 50 GHz. The M8194A offers flexibility, without complexity, in single- or multi-channel operation.

• Max symbol rate 74 Gbaud
• Sampling rate 83 to 92 GSa/s
• Memory depth 512 kSa
• Operating frequency range 50 kHz to 42 GHz
• Analog bandwidth, uncorrected 37 GHz (3 dB)
• 1-slot AXIe module with 4 electrical input channels

The Keysight M8296A is a four-channel, high-speed electrical digitizer module for the AXIe platform. It can synchronously sample up to four incident waveforms and is ideally suited to digitize the output signals from a dual-polarization coherent receiver. Keysight’s vector signal analyzer and optical modulation analyzer software serves as the M8296A's user interface and enables a multitude of test and measurement tasks such as spectral analysis and digital demodulation for the analysis of signal quality metrics like error-vector magnitude. Furthermore, the sampled waveform can be stored and processed with the user's own tools (e.g. using Matlab). The modular approach allows users to combine the M8296A high-speed digitizer with other modules in one mainframe such as the M8292A modular optical modulation analyzer and the M8196A 92 GSa/s arbitrary waveform generator.

Automated Integrated Coherent Receiver Testing

Integrated Coherent Receiver (ICR) modules are key components in coherent transmission systems and are more challenging to test than direct-detection receiver optical sub-assemblies (ROSAs), as the ICRs have phase-sensitive signal detection and provide four electrical outputs and two optical inputs. The test instruments used in ROSA S21 testing cannot be used in a similar way for S-parameter testing of ICRs, making S-parameter testing very challenging.

The M8296A electrical high-speed digitizer connects to the four differential outputs of an ICR and enables setting up parametric tests in very short time. In combination with two tunable lasers, a polarization synthesizer and the optionally-available ICR test software, the M8290A solution measures:

• S21 magnitude response of all detection paths
• IQ skew, XY skew
• IQ angle
• IQ and XY gain imbalance
• EVM noise floor
• Image suppression

• emulate a wide range of channel loss with Inter Symbol Interference (IS) traces with fine resolution
• three ISI boards with five short (1.4 inch to 5.5 inch), nine medium (0.8 inch to 7.95 inch) and seven long traces (9.05 inch to 22.25 inch); traces can be cascaded
• Rogers 4350B and Megtron 6 PC board material with known S21 parameters
• differential channels
• suitable for symbol rates of 32 Gbaud and higher
• small size

The M8049A ISI channel boards can be used to emulate channel loss in receiver test setups. The boards are used to emulate channel loss for data rates of 32 Gb/s and higher. A choice of 21 PC board traces with different lengths can be inserted into the signal path. The trace lengths range from 0.8 inch (20.3 mm) to 22.3 inch (566.4 mm). By cascading the traces within one board or with another board, a wide range of channels can be emulated with very fine resolution of insertion loss steps. With their small size the ISI channel boards can be located closely to the device under test.

The M8049A ISI channel boards are complemented by the M8020A integrated adjustable ISI feature, the M8048A ISI channels for data rates up to 16 Gb/s, and dedicated compliance channels for SATA (N4915-60001), DisplayPort (N1915A-006), PCI Express® 3.0 (N4915A-014).

Target applications:
Receiver test for devices with PCIe® 4/5, OIF CEI-56G, IEEE802.3 bs / bj / cd / by, SAS, and other high-speed digital interfaces.

• expands data rate of J-BERT M8020A up to 32.4 Gb/s
• fully integrated capabilities for higher data-rate testing
• integrated adjustable inter symbol interference (ISI) helps engineers quickly test over a large range of channel loss without moving cables
• integrated analyzer equalization ensures accurate BER measurements by opening eyes in the looped-back channel
• integrated 8 tap de-emphasis allows engineers to emulate transmitter operation and de-embed test setups
• improved efficiency and accuracy for 100G and beyond testing
• interactive TxEQ training for 25GBASE-KR and 100GBASE-KR4
• control from J-BERT M8020A high-performance BERT

The M8062A 32 Gb/s module expands the J-BERT M8020A high-performance BERT with versatile generator and analyzer functionality at data rates up to 32.4 Gb/s. The newly integrated capabilities streamline testing for research and development engineers and test engineers who need to characterize devices and systems for next-generation data center and long-haul communication applications. Fully integrated capabilities like inter symbol interference generation, clock data recovery, and analyzer equalization greatly improve device characterization and compliance testing and simplify test setups. The M8062A is a 2-slot AXIe module that can be controlled via USB through the integrated user interface of the J-BERT M8020A or through remote programming commands to allow test automation.

Application examples for M8062A:

• optical transceivers such as 100GBASE-LR4, -SR4 and -ER4, 32G Fibre Channel
• SERDES and chip-to-chip interfaces such as OIF CEI
• backplanes and cables such as 100GBASE-KR4 and -CR4
• SAS-4 receiver testing
• Thunderbolt 20G and active optical cables