The HP 83446A Lightwave Clock/Data Receiver extracts clock and data signals from high-speed optical communications, enabling precise characterization of optical transmitters and receivers in telecommunications and datacom networks. Operating at 2.48832 Gb/s (OC-48/STM-16), the instrument recovers clean, error-free clock and data streams from modulated lightwave inputs across 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. With optical input sensitivity as low as -28 dBm, the receiver combines a high-gain avalanche photodiode, gain-controlled amplifier, and clock/data recovery hybrid to deliver conditioned outputs suitable for bit-error-ratio testing and optical signal analysis.
Technical Specifications
• Data Rate: 2.48832 Gb/s (OC-48/STM-16)
• Wavelength Operation: 1310 nm and 1550 nm
• Optical Input Sensitivity: -28 dBm minimum
• Core Architecture: High-gain APD, gain-controlled amplifier, clock/data recovery hybrid
• Standards Compliance: ITU-T G.957, G.958, and Bellcore GR-253-CORE
• Optical Fiber Compatibility: 50 µm core diameter, single-mode or multimode
• Optical Interface: Universal adapter for HP 81000 series connectors; standard FC/PC connector
– Key Features
• Electrical Outputs: Clock, data, and auxiliary outputs optimized for BERT integration
• Auxiliary Output: High-gain AGC-controlled analog monitoring of unconditioned data for diagnostic analysis
• Rear-Panel Input: Recovers clock and data from electrical waveforms
• BERT Compatibility: Supports HP 71604B, HP 71603B, Agilent 86130A, and Agilent 71612C
– Typical Applications
• Bit-error-ratio analysis on optical signals for system acceptance and BER floor characterization
• Optical eye diagram analysis with sampling oscilloscope triggering via recovered clock output
• Signal integrity testing of high-speed optical transmitters and receivers
• System acceptance testing in demanding network environments
– Compatibility & Integration
The 83446A integrates directly with industry-standard BERTs and sampling oscilloscopes through dedicated clock and data outputs. Universal connector support enables deployment across multiple optical test environments without requiring interface adapters.
