The Tektronix PPG1601 is a single-channel programmable pattern generator delivering high-speed digital stimulus signals up to 16 Gb/s for validation of communication and data storage devices. It generates accurate, programmable patterns including PRBS and user-defined sequences with programmable crossing points and jitter insertion to simulate real-world signal impairments.
Technical Specifications
Data Rate & Timing
• Maximum data rate: 16 Gb/s
• Typical random jitter: < 250 fs RMS at 16 Gb/s (PRBS 2^11-1 pattern)
• Rise/fall time: 11 ps (20% to 80%), 16 ps (10% to 90%)
• Crossing point: 35% to 65% programmable
Output Characteristics
• Output amplitude: 300 mV to 1.0 V single-ended; 600 mV to 2.0 V differential
• Output impedance: 50 Ω single-ended, 100 Ω differential
• Output offset: Programmable from −2 V to +3 V
• Termination voltage: Programmable from −2.0 V to +3.3 V
Pattern & Error Generation
• Data pattern depth: 2 to 4,194,304 bits (4 Mbits)
• Error insertion types: Single or rate-based
• Error insertion range: 1 × 10⁻³ to 1 × 10⁻¹⁵ BER at 3-digit resolution
• Jitter insertion options: BUJ, SJ, RJ, and PJ modes
Reference Clock
• Input frequency: 10 MHz ±10 ppm
• Input signal: 1 Vp-p typical, square wave, 50% duty cycle
• Maximum input signal: 6 Vp-p (±10 V DC)
• Input impedance: 50 Ω AC-coupled
• Reference output: 1.2 Vp-p typical square wave
System Interface & Power
• Control: Front panel touchscreen GUI and USB computer control
• Power consumption: Approximately 100 W
• Reference: 10 MHz input/output via BNC connector
– Key Features
• Programmable patterns support PRBS sequences and custom user-defined data
• Independent programmability of positive and negative differential outputs
• Built-in jitter injection for real-world signal simulation
• Flexible amplitude and offset control across wide voltage ranges
• Low timing skew with 11 ps rise time performance
– Typical Applications
• High-speed serial link validation and characterization
• Data storage device testing
• Communication system stimulus generation
• Signal integrity and jitter tolerance analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
The PPG1601 accepts external 10 MHz reference clock input and outputs a synchronized reference signal. USB control enables integration into automated test environments and system-level measurement setups.
