ISI capability enhances high performance BERT

This function is integrated in each pattern generator channel of the J-BERT M8020A, which streamlines test setup by eliminating the need for external cabling and the need to switch external ISI traces.

When R&D and validation teams characterise next-generation digital designs, they face several test challenges. As data rates continuously increase, channel loss between transmitter and receiver becomes more important. The loss is caused by printed circuit board traces, connectors and cables in the signal path.

This channel loss results in ISI that depends on the channel material and dimensions, the data rate and bit pattern. All high-speed digital receivers are specified to tolerate a certain amount of total jitter, which typically includes some ISI caused by channel loss.

During receiver characterisation and compliance test, engineers need to emulate this loss. To emulate channel loss in the past, engineers used external trace boards that required external cabling and switching, which required time-consuming setup and contributed to test complexity.

The J-BERT M8020A high-performance BERT accelerates insight into digital designs. It offers fast and accurate receiver characterisation for single- and multilane devices operating at data rates up to 16-Gb/s and 32-Gb/s. The built-in ISI functionality is programmable for each pattern generator channel, simplifying receiver test automation by eliminating cabling and switching of external traces for data rates up to 16-Gb/s.

The instrument provides accurate and repeatable results for receiver characterisation and compliance test by supporting a wide range of loss up to 25 dB and 16 GHz with linear loss curves and fine step resolution and it fits into the fully scalable and upgradeable receiver test solution with an upgrade option.