Date: 15/09/2009

Agilent's optical modulation analyzer with bit error ratio analysis capabilities

Agilent has announced that it has added a bit error ratio (BER) capabilities to its optical modulation analyzer. The analysis of the BER of a transmitter or link is the parameter in digital transmission to measure the transmission quality for 40/100G systems. Agilent will demonstrate the new BER test feature on a polarization multiplexed signal at ECOC 2009 Vienna, Austria, booth 666, Sept. 21-23.

Agilent's optical modulation analyzer has the receiver integrated to count the errors and calculate the BER from its detected data in real time or in large sample number capture modus. The test signal can be either a Pseudo Random Bit Sequence (PRBS) or user-defined pattern.

Measuring the electrical BER from transmitter input to receiver output of an optical link leaves the uncertainty of which of the three components -- the transmitter, the link itself or the receiver -- caused the BER problem during a test failure. The new BER test capability is designed to support polarization-multiplexed signals in combination with Agilent's unique polarization alignment algorithm.

The BER test solution features include real BER counting, no estimation, support of polarization multiplexed signals, PRBS or user-defined pattern, detailed analysis of ones and zero errors, and ability to relate BER to Error Vector Magnitude (EVM).

"Our optical modulation analyzer provides a highly flexible turn-key test solution for development and characterization of 40G/100G transmission systems based on advanced modulation schemes," said Juergen Beck, general manager of Agilent's Digital Photonic Test business. "The addition of BER test functionality addresses further needs of scientists, development engineers and quality engineers of transmission system and component suppliers, and closes another gap in optical modulation test."

Price: At $2,700
Availability: From October 2009.
For more details visit www.agilent.com