The Agilent/HP 70843B is a high-speed error performance analyzer designed for comprehensive bit error rate (BER) testing and pattern generation across data rates from 0.1 to 12 Gbit/s. With the UHF option, this instrument delivers integrated pattern generation and error detection capabilities essential for validating digital transmission systems in telecommunications research, system design validation, and stress testing. The analyzer requires an external clock source and functions as a standalone component or within the larger HP 71612B measurement system.
Technical Specifications
• Data rate range: 0.1 to 12 Gbit/s
• Transition time (10%-90%): Less than 30 ps
• Jitter: Less than 20 ps peak-to-peak; less than 15 ps peak-to-peak at 10 Gb/s
• Data output amplitude: 0.5 V to 2 V peak-to-peak into 50 Ω (ECL compatible)
• Sub-rate (quarter-rate) output amplitude: 0.5 V to 1 V peak-to-peak
• Data input sensitivity: Less than 50 mV peak-to-peak (typical) at 10 Gb/s
• Decision threshold range: +1 V to -3 V with 1 mV resolution
• Clock/data delay: 1 ns (100 MHz to 500 MHz); 1 clock period (500 MHz to 12 GHz); 1 ps resolution
• Termination voltage: Selectable 0 V or -2 V nominal
– Key Features
• Standard PRBS patterns: 2⁷-1, 2¹⁰-1, 2¹⁵-1, 2²³-1, 2³¹-1
• User-defined patterns: 1 bit to 8 Mbits variable length with over 8 Mbits programmable memory
• Error detection: Errored ones, errored zeros, and all logic errors
• Advanced error location analysis for systematic error source identification
• Quarter-rate clock and data outputs (4 data outputs plus clock)
• External error injection and pattern switching capabilities
• Pattern trigger and clock/8 trigger outputs
• Error outputs: 0 to -0.4 V nominal
– Typical Applications
• High-speed digital transmission system validation
• Telecommunications research and development
• BER characterization in 10 Gb/s and 12 Gb/s systems
• Stress testing and margin analysis
• Error source identification and diagnostics
– Compatibility & Integration
• Requires external clock source input
• HP-IB interface for remote operation and integration
• Compatible with HP 71612B measurement systems
• ECL output compatibility for direct connection to test circuits
