4 August 2011

Tektronix launches 33GHz oscilloscopes using SiGe for 100GS/s sampling rate

Tektronix Inc of Beaverton, OR, USA has launched four new DPO/DSA70000D Series oscilloscope models with real-time sampling rates up to 100GS/s on two channels and 33GHz analog bandwidth on four channels. The new products include models for 25 and 33GHz bandwidths that provide what is claimed to be the industry's highest level of measurement accuracy for today's fastest electrical signals across multiple channels.

Incorporating technology using IBM's 8HP silicon germanium (SiGe) chipset, Tektronix engineers have integrated high-speed bipolar transistors directly on the same die as standard CMOS, enabling the new oscilloscopes to deliver the fastest rise time on multiple channels of any real-time oscilloscope on the market, it is claimed. Such high-sensitivity, low-noise measurement capabilities are required for accurate characterization of high-speed optical, RF and serial data measurements beyond 20Gb/s data rates.

“By combining the industry’s best signal integrity and timing precision in a real-time oscilloscope, we are giving our customers the breakthrough test instrumentation they need to complete their most cutting-edge designs accurately and with greater confidence,” says Roy Siegel, general manager, Oscilloscopes, Tektronix.

For example, with fiber speeds now at 100Gb/s and beyond, engineers are trying to accurately verify optical modulation techniques for efficient fiber transport. The DPO/DSA70000D provides the 4-channel accuracy required for PM-QPSK modulation analysis. The 70000D Series works with the Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyzer from Optametra, which was recently acquired by Tektronix, for visualization and measurement of optical PM-QPSK or QAM16 and other complex-modulated signals.

“The new Tektronix 33GHz oscilloscopes will give designers the ability to understand the effects of advanced modulation techniques on bit-error rates, even as speeds continue to increase,” says Rob Marsland, former president of Optametra and now a senior manager in the Oscilloscope product line at Tektronix. “Using these scopes, bit rates exceeding 240Gb/s can now be analyzed for the first time with a high degree of confidence.”

Worldwide shipments of the DPO/DSA70000D models will begin in Q4/2011. The four available models include DPO73304D and DSA73304D at 33GHz bandwidth and DPO72504D and DSA72504D at 25GHz bandwidth. Pricing starts at $202,000.

See related items:

IBM’s 8HP SiGe process meets Tektronix 30+GHz oscilloscope design goals

Tektronix Component Solutions validated as ‘Ready for IBM Technology’ for SiGe 100 & 200GHz processes

Tags: Tektronix SiGe

Visit: www.tektronix.com