The Keysight M8050A is a high-performance Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) for characterization of high-speed digital interfaces in data center and server applications. Operating at data rates up to 120 GBaud, it supports multiple line coding formats—NRZ, PAM3, PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8—enabling pathfinding and compliance testing across emerging 400/800/1600 GbE, PCIe 7.0/6.0/5.0, USB4, and OIF-CEI standards. The system delivers exceptional signal integrity with intrinsic random jitter below 100 fs and transition times under 5 ps.
Technical Specifications
• Data Rate: Up to 120 GBaud
• Output Amplitude: 1.4 Vpp at 120 GBd
• Line Coding: NRZ, PAM3, PAM4, PAM6, PAM8
• Jitter Performance: Transition time <5 ps; intrinsic random jitter (RMS) <100 fs
• Jitter Injection: Calibrated injection for RJ, PJ1, PJ2, BUJ, sRJ, and Clk/2 tolerance testing
• De-emphasis: Seven-tap built-in for channel loss compensation
• Equalization: Forward Feedback Equalizer (FFE)
• Clock Data Recovery: Integrated CDR with adjustable loop bandwidth to 16 MHz
• Error Analysis: Real-time up to 64 GBaud PAM4 with integrated clock recovery and equalization; UXR-B models extend analysis above 64 GBd
– Key Features
• Pattern generation modules available for 32 GBd (M8042A-G32), 64 GBd (M8042A-G64), and 120 GBd (M8042A-G12)
• Single-channel (M8042A-0G1) or dual-channel (M8042A-0G2) configurations
• Remote heads: M8059A (120 GBd, 1.0 mm connectors) and M8058A (64 GBd, 1.85 mm connectors)
• Supports 800G and 1.6T link training
• Modular AXIe form factor integrating with M9505A chassis and M8070B control software
• Keysight Trigger Bus synchronization across modules
– Typical Applications
• datacenter serial link validation
• High-speed digital interface characterization
• Receiver tolerance testing with precise jitter injection
• Channel loss compensation and equalization assessment
– Compatibility & Integration
Part of the Keysight M8000 Series BERT platform. Operates in AXIe chassis with M9537A Embedded PC Controller support. Pattern Generator (M8042A) occupies 2 slots (one-channel) or 3 slots (two-channel); Error Analyzer (M8043A) requires 2 slots.
