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Tek targets fast data and optical signals with 33-GHz scopes

A new pre-amplifier that provides 33-GHz real-time bandwidth is key to the performance of a range of four high-end oscilloscopes that Tektronix has added to its 70000 family. As with other models of its fast scopes, there are DPO (digital phosphor oscilloscope) and DSA (digital signal analyser) variants, depending on feature set. The DPO/DSA70000D series offer 50 Gsamples/sec sampling on four channels, or with interleaving, 100 Gsamples/sec on two; there are models with 25 and 33 GHz real-time bandwidth.

Tektronix built its new pre-amp/track-and-hold amplifier in IBM’s silicon-germanium CMOS 8HP process, and claims the highest measurement accuracy of any instrument operating at comparable speeds; specifically, the signal channels provide the fastest rise-time currently available. You will be able to accurately characterise signals that have a rise time of under 20 psec; Tek notes that you will need this level of performance for the waveforms generated by the newest FPGAs equipped with 28 Gbit/sec SERDES channels, as well as high-speed optical and RF signals.
The instruments offer an input sensitivity of 62.5mV full scale (6.25mV/div) for better visibility of low voltage signaling; decoding of serial data has been speeded up, and includes 8b/10b coding. Among the measurement toolsets, jitter and timing analysis gets an upgrade to support jitter separation – from other jitter sources – of Bounded Uncorrelated Jitter (BUJ) that occurs as a consequence of crosstalk on signals greater than 10 Gb/sec.
A further feature appearing on these oscilloscopes is DataStore, that Tek describes as an advanced data processing pathway. Using Matlab or Microsoft .NET languages, you can insert waveform data processing algorithms directly into the scope’s application and display system; examples include de-embedding signal effects from a complex signal path, or applying custom filter functions.
At multi-GHz speeds, signal probing and connection is challenging, but Tek says that up to 33 GHz bandpass support is possible using its TekConnect channel interface, enabling the use of 2.92mm adaptors and high-performance, small-head probes.
The DPO/DSA70000D provides the 4-channel accuracy required for PM-QPSK modulation analysis. The 70000D Series works with Optametra’s (www.optametra.com) Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyzer for visualization and measurement of optical PM-QPSK or QAM16 and other complex-modulated signals.
The four scoeps are designated DPO73304D and DSA73304D at 33 GHz bandwidth and DPO72504D and DSA72504D at 25 GHz bandwidth. Pricing is, respectively, €242,000, €260,000, €186,000 and €198,000.