M8199B 256 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Introduction

The M8199B is an arbitrary waveform generator that provides R&D engineers a high-performance signal source for arbitrary signals, enabling development of designs of 160 GBaud and above.

Key Benefits

• Up to 8 synchronized channels at 256 GSa/s with nominal analog bandwidth exceeding 80 GHz

• Provides R&D engineers a high-performance signal source for arbitrary signals, enabling development of designs of higher-order QAM (e.g., 64QAM) at 160 GBaud and above

• First arbitrary waveform generator enabling 400+ Gb/s per lane in IM/DD or 1.6+ Tb/s per carrier in coherent optical communications

• Integrated, ready-to-use instrument, works with M8008A clock module

• Operates with well-known software, including MATLAB, Keysight IQtools, and SCPI programming interfaced based on M8070B

M8199B at a Glance

The Keysight M8199B arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) has the highest sample rate and the widest bandwidth in its class with up to eight synchronized channels operating simultaneously.

• Analog bandwidth exceeding 80 GHz 

• Up to 2 Vpp differential output voltage at 160 GBaud 

• Continuous sample rate range: 200 to 256 GSa/s

• Channel-to-channel skew adjustment with 25 fs resolution

• < 140 dBc wideband phase noise > 1 MHz 

• 1 MSa of waveform memory per channel

• Synchronization of up to 8 channels across 4 modules

• Built-in frequency and phase response calibration for clean output signals

Applications

Coherent optical applications

Applications beyond 128 GBaud demand a new class of generators that provide high speed, precision, and flexibility at the same time. The M8199B is the ideal solution to test various optical systems from discrete components like optical power amplifiers to more complex dual polarization systems such as optical modulators or optical receivers. The M8199B also provides stress signals to test next generator digital signal processor ASICs and new algorithm concepts.

Distortions generated (e.g., by cables and amplifiers) can be compensated by embedding/de-embedding the S-parameters of the respective circuits or by performing an in-situ calibration using the Keysight Technologies vector signal analysis software.

Intensity-Modulation/Direct-Detect (IM/DD) optical applications

With increasing data rates in servers and computers, the trace loss increases, which reduces the signal-tonoise ratio, therefore, standard modulation formats, such as NRZ and PAM-4, may not be sufficient. The M8199B is the right tool for these applications to provide the flexibility needed for advanced research on new modulation formats to boost transmission rates to the next level. For example, high-speed research is already experimenting using PAM-3, PAM-6, PAM-8, and other proprietary modulation formats at data rates of 160 GBaud and beyond.

The flexibility of the waveform generator with high speeds, combined with excellent intrinsic jitter performances makes the M8199B a truly unique and versatile instrument.

At data rates of multiple Gb/s, the effects of cables, board traces, connectors, etc., must be considered in order to generate the desired signal at the test point of the device under test. The M8199B incorporates digital correction techniques for frequency- and phase-response compensation of the AWG output and any external circuit to generate the desired signal at the device under test. Channels can be embedded/deembedded if the S-parameters of the respective circuits are provided.

KeysightCare

These instruments include one year of KeysightCare Assured with the option to upgrade to a 3-5 year service plan. KeysightCare Assured provides priority access to industry-leading technical experts, a comprehensive knowledge center, and committed turnaround times for repair and calibration.