Bit Error Ratio Tester Glossary

Bit Error Ratio Tester Glossary

Bit Error Rate

The bit error ratio multiplied by the bit rate; or, the bit error divided by a time window. If your pattern generator sends data at a rate of 10 bits/second, and the error detector sees one error every ten bits, the bit error rate would be the bit error ratio × bit rate = 1 bit/second.

Bit Error Ratio

A unitless measure of the number of errors seen at the error detector, divided by the number of bits transmitted from the pattern generator. For example, if your pattern generator sends ten bits to the receiver, and the error detector sees one error, the bit error ratio is 0.1.

Bounded Uncorrelated Jitter

Similar to random jitter with a Gaussian distribution, this distribution is cut (bounded) at both sides. This kind of jitter can be caused, for example, by crosstalk on a parallel bus or by intersymbol interference of random, or long pseudo random binary bit sequences.

Channel Count

The number of channels in a bit error ratio tester (BERT). Many BERTs provide more than one signal at a time. One, two, and four channel BERTs are common.

Clock Output Amplitude

The single-ended output voltage range, its value is listed in V p-p (volts peak-to-peak).

Clock Output Frequency Accuracy

Refers to how close the output frequency can get to the selected value. The value is listed in + ppm (parts per million).

Clock Output Frequency Range

The adjustable range of the clock output frequency, its value is listed in MHz to GHz (megahertz to giga hertz).

Clock Output Frequency Resolution

The stepped amount that the output frequency can change. The value is listed in Hz (hertz).

Clock Output Frequency Transition Times

The signal transition time from 20 to 80% of the rising edge. The value is listed in ps (pico seconds).

Clock Output Intrinsic Random Jitter

Also called Gaussian jitter, it is unpredictable electronic timing noise and follows a gaussian distribution or Normal distribution. The value is listed in fs rms (femto seconds root mean squared).

Clock Output SSB (Single Side Band) Phase Noise

The phase noise that is measured in a given offset from the carrier.

Clock Recovery

High-speed communications do not make use of a transmitted clock signal and rely on the creation of an approximate clock from the transmitted data stream known as either clock recovery or CDR (clock and data recovery).

Clock Source

The clock source is an external or external supplied clock used synchronize the pattern generator and the error detector.

Cross Talk

An unwanted transfer of signals between communication channels.

Data Output Accuracy

The accuracy relative to the output amplitude setting. The value is listed in % + mV (percent plus or minus millivolts).

Data Output Amplitude

The output voltage range, which can be specified for single-ended or differential outputs. The value is listed in Vp-p (volts peak-to-peak).

Data Output Transition Time

The signal transition time from 20 to 80% of the rising edge. The value is listed in ps (pico seconds).