Required Equipment

FlexPLL requires the following test equipment (not provided) for the test setups.

Jitter Sources

Select from one of the following supported jitter sources:

Keysight M8050A high performance BERT
Requires the following AXIe modules and remote head modules:
  • M8042A 120 GBd pattern generator.
  • M8009A Clock Generator with Jitter Modulation. Unlike the M8040A and M8020A BERTs, the M8042A pattern generator AXIe module does not generate its own reference clock internally. Newer AXIe instruments (like the M8042A Pattern Generator) need to make use of an external clock module (like the M8009A).
  • Requires either of these two remote head modules:
    • M8058A (64 GBd) remote head
    • M8059A (120 GBd) remote head
Keysight recommends that you install the MS8009A clock module in slot 1 of the AXIe chassis (or slot 2 if slot 1 is occupied by an embedded controller module), and install the M8042A Pattern Generator in the next available slot.
Keysight M8040A high performance BERT
Requires an M8045A generator-analyzer-clock AXIe module. FlexPLL controls the M8045A but does not control any other modules in the M8040A. Output can be selected to be a clock or PRBS data (NRZ or PAM4).
Keysight M8020A high performance BERT
Requires an M8041A generator-analyzer-clock AXIe module. FlexPLL controls the M8041A but does not control any other modules in the M8020A. Output can be selected to be a clock or PRBS data (NRZ or PAM4).
Keysight 81160A Pulse Function Arbitrary Noise Generator
Outputs a square wave clock which can also be used as data stream of a repeating 101010.... NRZ pattern.
Keysight 81150A Pulse Function Arbitrary Noise Generator
Outputs a square wave clock which can also be used as data stream of a repeating 101010.... NRZ pattern.

BERT solutions sometimes include an Error Detector AXIe module, but FlexPLL does not make use of an Error Detector. Only the Pattern Generator and Clock Module are required for FlexPLL to operate.

The following table shows the names and approximate ranges of five FlexPLL settings which are located in the Source tab of FlexPLL's System Setup dialog. You do not configure these settings using the source's GUI or front panel. The range of these settings depend on the supported source in your setup.

FlexPLL Settings to for Supported Sources 1
FlexPLL Settings Pulse Function Arbitrary Noise Generators High performance BERTs
81150A 81160A M8020A's
M8041A Module		 M8040A's
M8045A Module		 M8050A
System Clock Signal ≤ 120 MHz ≤ 330 MHz 1.0125 to 32.4 GHz 2 4 to 60 GHz 2
Symbol Rate — — 2.025 to 64.8 GBd 2, NRZ and PAM4 coding 2.0 to 120 GBd, NRZ and PAM4 coding
Amplitude P-P 50 mV to 5V p-p 50 mV to 5V p-p 50 mV to 1.8V p-p3 (data)
1V (clock)		 100 mVp-p to 1.6 Vp-p3
Offset -1 to +3V  
Jitter P-P  
  • 1. The values in this table represent approximate ranges. Always consult the instrument's documentation for the latest specifications.
  • 2. Depending on option.
  • 3. Depending on rates, type, and head.

Jitter Receivers

Select from one of the following supported jitter receivers. N107x-series DCA-M clock recovery modules can be connected (via USB) to a PC that is running FlexPLL or to a DCA-X that is running FlexPLL.

  • N1000A DCA-X with N1060A Precision Waveform Analyzer module
  • N1076A/B Electrical DCA-M clock recovery module
  • N1077A Electrical and optical DCA-M clock recovery module
  • N1078A Electrical and optical DCA-M clock recovery module