The Keysight (Agilent) E4809A is a central clock module for the ParBERT 81250 platform, providing precise timing synchronization and distribution to high-speed data generator and analyzer modules. Operating from 20.834 MHz to 13.5 GHz with 1 Hz resolution, this module delivers the master clock signals required for accurate bit error ratio testing at data rates up to 13.5 Gb/s.
Technical Specifications
Clock Generation and Distribution
• Frequency Range: 20.834 MHz to 13.5 GHz
• GigaClock Signal Range: 500 MHz to 13.5 GHz (for N4872A, N4873A modules)
• Resolution: 1 Hz
• SSB Phase Noise: <-75 dBc at 10 kHz offset (at 10 GHz)
• Clocking Ratio: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 256× via Phase-Locked Loop frequency generator
Synchronization and Control
• External Clock/Reference Input: 10 MHz reference support
• Trigger Output: Available for external test equipment
• Latency: 16 ns ±1 clock (trigger output to channel output); +3 ns with expander frame
• Guided Deskew: Precision channel alignment
• Master/Slave Configuration: Multi-frame and clock group support
Trigger Pod
• Input Lines: 8 single-ended
• Input Levels: TTL compatible
• Input Threshold: 1.5 V
• Input Termination: 5 kΩ pullup to +5 V
• Absolute Maximum Input: -1.2 V to +7.0 V
• Cable Delay: 11 ns typical
• Setup Time: 2.5 ns (includes cable delay)
• Hold Time: 5 ns (includes cable delay)
Physical
• Module Size: Two VXI slots
– Key Features
• Synchronization with external 10 MHz reference clocks
• External trigger control for test sequence management
• Guided deskew alignment for multi-channel precision
• Flexible clocking ratios supporting diverse module configurations
• Low phase noise performance (<-75 dBc at 10 kHz offset)
– Typical Applications
High-speed serial data testing, bit error ratio measurement, multi-channel synchronization, and complex test sequencing in production and characterization environments.
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for ParBERT 81250 platform integration. Compatible with E4832A (675 Mb/s), E4861B (3.35 Gb/s), E4810A/11A (3.35 Gb/s optical), N4872A/73A (13.5 Gb/s), E4866A/67A (10.8 Gb/s), and E4868B/69B (45 Gb/s) modules. Supports expander frame operation.
