The Agilent/Keysight 15435A is a transition time converter that transforms fast input signal transitions into slower, controlled output transitions. Designed for precision pulse shaping, it reduces signal bandwidth and suppresses overshoot and ringing to improve signal integrity in demanding test and measurement applications.
Technical Specifications
• Output Transition Time: 150 ps
• 3 dB Bandwidth: 2.1 GHz
• Input Voltage: Less than 10 Vpp
• Insertion Loss: Less than 0.2 dB
• Overshoot and Ringing: Less than 3%
• Dimensions: 43 mm × 28 mm × 15 mm
– Key Features
The 15435A converts fixed transition times across multiple selectable values—150 ps, 250 ps, 500 ps, 1 ns, and 2 ns—allowing engineers to tailor pulse characteristics to application requirements. Very low signal reflection extends performance well beyond the 3 dB bandwidth point, preserving signal fidelity across the operating spectrum.
Multiple units cascade to achieve intermediate transition times using the relationship: combined transition time = √(transition₁² + transition₂²). This flexibility enables precise control over signal rise and fall times without requiring separate instruments.
Standard SMA connectors (one male, one female) provide straightforward integration into existing test setups. The compact 43 × 28 × 15 mm form factor minimizes bench footprint.
– Typical Applications
The 15435A addresses applications where fast edges cause measurement artifacts or system errors. It is particularly useful in stress testing, where controlled slew rates prevent false triggering, and in compliance testing where signal bandwidth must be limited. Reflections and ringing—common problems when testing sensitive circuits—are minimized by the converter’s low-reflection design.
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed to work with Keysight pulse pattern generators including the 81133/4A 3.35 GHz unit (sub-100 ps transitions), the 81130A with 81131A 400 MHz module (800/1600 ps transitions), the 81130A with 81132A 660 MHz module (sub-500 ps transitions), and the 81250 Parallel Bit Error Ratio Tester. The converter bridges the gap between fast pulse generators and applications requiring slower, more controlled edges.
