“MegaModules” let scopes characterize 10 to 32-Gbit/s designs easily, accurately

“MegaModules” let scopes characterize 10 to 32-Gbit/s designs easily, accurately

Dubbed MegaModules, the 86108B-LBW (35-GHz) and -HBW (50-GHz) are dual-channel precision waveform analyzer modules that plug into preexisting 86100C/D sampling oscilloscopes. By providing what is said to be the best residual jitter — below 50 fs — along with integrated clock recovery to 32 Gbit/s, the modules aim to let designers working with the fastest data channels — such as 25G InfiniBand or 32G Fibre Channel — easily see the true performance of their designs.

The modules’ continuous data-rate coverage from 50 Mbit/s to 32 Gbit/s, peaking control, and adjustable loop bandwidths to 20 MHz allow their clock recovery circuitry to provide a golden PLL response for accurate and compliant device characterization. The integrated instrumentation-grade clock recovery circuit lets a module trigger directly from single-ended or differential data signals, thereby eliminating the need for a separate trigger input. The module also integrates high-bandwidth pick-offs and phase-matched cables, which significantly reduces setup complexity, maintains signal integrity, and makes it easy for users to start making accurate measurements quickly.

Each module’s auxiliary clock-recovery input circuit lets designers analyze extremely low-level signals, or signals that have been closed due to severe inter-symbol interference, by triggering the scope using a separate synchronous data (or clock) signal connected to the 86108B’s auxiliary CR input. The on-board phase detector enables flexible, accurate determination of PLL bandwidth/peaking on devices with either clock or data inputs and outputs.

It’s also noteworthy that, by integrating several instrumentation blocks, the modules provides significant cost advantages. The cost of a system — mainframe plus module — is far less than comparable real-time or equivalent-time oscilloscope solutions. (Module-ready mainframe, about $30,000; modules from $80,000 — available now.)

By Richard Comerford

Agilent Technologies , Santa Clara , CA
Sales 800-829-4444
www.agilent.com