The Rohde & Schwarz EFA20 is a digital TV test receiver engineered for DVB-C (QAM) signal analysis and measurement. This selective measurement platform delivers constellation diagram analysis, bit error ratio (BER) assessment, echo measurement, and real-time signal demodulation across multiple digital and analog television standards. Built on modular architecture, the EFA20 supports DVB-C, DVB-T, ATSC/8VSB, and analog TV standards with configurable options for MPEG-2 analysis. The instrument operates across 5 MHz to 1 GHz, accommodating QAM constellations from 4 to 256 states. An integrated noise generator enables noise margin evaluation, while advanced digital signal processing delivers quasi-error-free (QEF) operation with system FEC improving BER from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹⁰–10⁻¹¹. IEC/IEEE-bus and RS-232-C interfaces enable remote control and data integration in broadcast and cable network environments.
Technical Specifications
• Signal Standards: DVB-C (QAM), DVB-T, ATSC/8VSB, ITU-T J.83/A/B/C, analog TV (B/G, I, D/K, M/N)
• Frequency Range: 5 MHz to 1 GHz; variant configurations 47–862 MHz or 48–862 MHz
• Intermediate Frequency: 36 MHz
• QAM Constellations: 4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 state
• System FEC: Improves BER from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹⁰–10⁻¹¹ for QEF operation
• Standards Compliance: EN 300 429 (DVB-C framing, channel coding, modulation); ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 system layer)
– Key Features
• Selective measurement with constellation diagram analysis and automatic transmission parameter assessment
• Real-time BER measurement and demodulation
• Integrated noise generator for noise margin testing
• Echo and amplitude/phase response measurement
• Modular design with QAM demodulator and DVB-C digital TV options
• Optional MPEG-2 analyzer/decoder for SDTV applications
– Typical Applications
• Cable television (DVB-C) network verification and commissioning
• Broadcast signal quality monitoring and troubleshooting
• Network operator acceptance testing and performance validation
– Compatibility & Integration
• IEC/IEEE-bus and RS-232-C interfaces for automated test systems
• Compliant with DVB-C EN 300 429 standard
• Supports multiple analog and digital TV transmission standards in single platform
