The Tektronix BA1500 is a Bit Error Ratio Tester (BERT) that integrates pattern generation and error analysis for high-speed digital communication systems up to 1.5 Gb/s. The instrument delivers real-time bit error measurement, advanced physical layer testing, and precise signal integrity characterization for complex electronic and satellite communication applications. Engineers use the BA1500 for component evaluation, receiver stress testing, and system verification across R&D, manufacturing, and field troubleshooting environments.
Technical Specifications
Bit Rate: Up to 1.5 Gb/s
Pattern Generation:
• Pseudo-random data streams (five selectable PRBS options) and user-defined patterns up to 8 Mb
• Built-in pattern editor for custom sequence creation and import
• Pattern synchronization for both PRBS and user-defined sequences
• Dual user-pattern synchronization methods (speed and accuracy optimized)
• ECC (Error Correction and Coding Emulation) and MAP (Error Mapping) analysis support
Error Analysis:
• Real-time bit error measurement with eight standard analysis views: Basic BER, Block Errors, Burst Length, Correlation, Error Free Interval, Pattern Sensitivity, Strip Chart
• Optional FEC Emulation and 2D Error Map views
• Burst error identification with programmable Burst Error Free Threshold
• Data capture capacity: 8 Mb
• User grab and hardware pattern search capabilities
• Measurements: BER, bit count, re-sync events, PG/ED clock frequency
Signal Integrity & Physical Layer:
• Differential and single-ended input support
• Variable threshold and settable DC termination voltages on differential inputs
• Adjustable Amplitude, Offset, Logic Threshold, and Termination for receiver stress testing
• Variable-delay settings with 0.1% resolution within a bit period for jitter and skew adjustment
• Eye diagram display with automatic rise/fall time, jitter, amplitude, noise, and eye-opening ratio measurements
• Eye mask testing (Physical Layer Test Suite option)
Clocking: Built-in high-accuracy clock source
– Key Features
• Automatic error threshold programming
• Precise output skew adjustment for mask and eye diagram testing
• Optional Physical Layer Test Suite (PL)
– Typical Applications
• High-speed digital communication system characterization and debugging
• Receiver design validation and stress testing
• Satellite communication system verification
• Component and subsystem BER evaluation
– Compatibility & Integration
The BA1500 supports both standard and custom test patterns, enabling integration into diverse signal integrity and compliance testing workflows.
