The HP/Agilent 70001A mainframe with 70841B Pattern Generator and 70842B Error Detector modules forms a modular digital communication test system operating from 50 MHz to 3 Gbit/s. This configuration delivers serial pattern generation, error detection, and bit-error-rate measurement across high-speed data channels. The 70001A 8-slot mainframe provides the infrastructure—power conditioning, cooling, MSIB module interconnect, and IEEE-488 control—enabling scalable test configurations within the HP Modular Measurement System architecture.
Technical Specifications
• Data rate range: 100 Mbit/s to 3 Gbit/s (70841B and 70842B)
• Operating frequency: 50 MHz minimum (Option H50 enabled)
• Pattern memory: 8192 bits internal per module; 4 Mbits disk storage per module
• Mainframe architecture: 8-slot, supports 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-width MMS plug-in modules
• Power supply: Regulated 40 kHz AC to modules; 5 Vdc for MSIB; fan DC power; TTL line synchronization
• I/O ports (70841B): 8 total—six front panel, two rear panel
• I/O ports (70842B): 5 total—two front panel, three rear panel
• Mainframe module slots: 418 MMS configuration
• IEEE-488 (HP-IB) interface for external control and GPIB integration
– Key Features
• Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence generation: 2³¹-1, 2²³-1, 2¹⁵-1, 2¹⁰+1, 2⁷+1 with selectable polynomials
• User-defined serial pattern capability with substitution of zeros to extend run lengths
• Mark density control: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 ratios of ones to total bits
• Alternate pattern and word generation via rear-panel auxiliary input
• Floppy disk drive integration for pattern storage and retrieval
• Error detection and bit-error counting with reference pattern comparison
• Option H50: Extends operating frequency floor to 50 MHz
• EMC performance and field-proven structural design for laboratory and production environments
– Typical Applications
• High-speed serial data link characterization
• BER measurement and eye diagram analysis
• PRBS pattern-based compliance testing
• Custom pattern generation for protocol-specific test sequences
– Compatibility & Integration
Modular System Interface Bus (MSIB) architecture enables integration with other HP 70000 Series MMS modules. Compatible with HP/Agilent 71603B Error Performance Analyzer. Supports both benchtop and standard EIA rack mounting.
