Firmware downloads can shorten test times for PAM4 optical signal analysis
Firmware downloads are now available for the BERTWave MP2110A sampling oscilloscope. The firmware, from Anritsu, will increase its PAM4 analysis function from 26 to 53Gbaud, targeting production and inspection of optical modules. As well as featuring both high-sensitivity and high-speed measurements, this release will enable the MP2110A to support development and production-line inspection of next-generation QSFP-DD optical transceivers expected to be deployed in data centres.
As data traffic increases due to the spread of flat-rate video streaming and other cloud services, managing this growth requires the deployment of transmission-equipment interfaces that exceed speeds of 100Gbits per second. As 200/400 GbE interfaces start to appear, the PAM4 technology is used instead of the older NRZ technology. Although current optical modules such as CFP8s use 26Gbaud PAM4 optical signals, future mass-produced QSFP-DD and OSFP modules will use 53Gbaud PAM4 optical signals.
The BERTWave MP2110A is an all-in-one measuring instrument with built-in multi-channel bit error rate tester (BERT) and sampling oscilloscope, supporting bit error rate (BER) measurements, eye mask tests, eye pattern analyses, high sampling speed of 250ksample/s and low-noise (3.4-microW) high-sensitivity O/E interface. The BERT and sampling oscilloscope are required instruments for evaluating optical modules used by optical communications systems.
As well as NRZ technology, the MP2110A also supports PAM4 signal measurements including TDECQ, which enable all-in-one quality evaluations of optical modules at speeds from 25 to 400G. In addition, the MP2110A, thanks to its high-speed measurement and PAM4 analysis, will play a key role in improving optical module production-line productivity. Adding 53Gbaud support for quality evaluation of next-generation optical modules helps cut capital equipment renewal costs, says Anritsu.
The 53Gbaud analysis function added by this upgrade is included in the PAM4 signal analysis software option (MP2110A-095).
Anritsu provides test and measurement equipment, including wireless, optical, microwave/RF and digital instruments, operations support systems and solutions, customised software solutions, that can be used during R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. It also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed devices for design into communication products and systems.
