Automotive Ethernet test.

Precise Automotive Ethernet physical layer compliance for next-generation vehicles.

A comprehensive automotive Ethernet test solution that delivers precise Media Dependent Interface (MDI) return loss and mode conversion measurements for validating 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 compliance has been announced by Anritsu. By using the Anritsu ShockLine™ MS46524B vector network analyzer (VNA) with the Tektronix® 6 Series MSO oscilloscope, the solution enables engineers to conduct robust, standards-based verification of automotive Ethernet components, including cables, and connectors.

As vehicle networks evolve to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and autonomous functionality, the need for high-speed, reliable data transmission continues to grow. The automotive industry’s transition to Ethernet-based in-vehicle networks demands strict conformance with IEEE 802.3bw, 802.3bp, and 802.3ch standards to ensure interoperability and signal integrity across multi-vendor systems. The solution Anritsu delivers addresses this challenge with a measurement system that combines precision frequency-domain analysis and automated compliance testing aligned with the OPEN Alliance PMA TC8 test suite.

“Automotive Ethernet has quickly become the backbone of modern vehicle architectures, and there is zero room for uncertainty in the physical layer,” said Javier Irazola, General Manager of Performance Instruments at Tektronix. “When engineers use our 6 Series MSO oscilloscope and TekExpress® automotive Ethernet compliance software alongside Anritsu’s ShockLine VNA, they can gain a clear, correlated view of time- and frequency-domain behavior. That helps teams move from debug to standards-based compliance testing with greater speed and confidence.”

Comprehensive and standards compliant validation.
Using the Anritsu ShockLine MS46524B 4-port VNA, engineers can perform high-accuracy S-parameter measurements to evaluate MDI return loss and mode conversion characteristics.

These tests confirm proper impedance matching and help ensure differential signal integrity, meeting IEEE compliance requirements. S-parameter data captured by the VNA is seamlessly transferred to a Tektronix 6 Series MSO oscilloscope, where TekExpress software for automotive Ethernet testing—based on the OPEN Alliance TC8 specification—validates results and generates detailed compliance reports.

A typical configuration to measure MDI return loss and mode conversion loss utilizes an Ethernet test fixture, an Automotive Ethernet DUT, a reliable common ground between the fixture and DUT, a VNA, phase-stable cables, and calibration kits. Fixture qualification according to OPEN Alliance specifications ensures accurate and repeatable measurements, providing dependable physical-layer validation for automotive Ethernet systems.

Anritsu’s MS46524B ShockLine VNA delivers excellent dynamic range, phase stability, and measurement accuracy for differential S-parameter testing up to 43.5 GHz. This instrument supports SCPI-based remote control enabling integration into automated validation and production test workflows. When used in combination with the 6 Series MSO and TekExpress software, the Anritsu system gives component and cable manufacturers a flexible, scalable approach for developing high-speed, Ethernet-based in-vehicle networks. This configuration helps engineers accelerate development and certification of next-generation automotive Ethernet systems.

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @tektronix @NapierPR #TandM #Automotive

Complient high-speed ICs, devices, and networks.

Anritsu Corporation President Hirokazu Hamada and Tektronix have announced the provision of an automated PCI Express® 5.0 (PCIe Gen5) test solution combining Anritsu’s Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT series with Tektronix’s DPO70000SX series 70 GHz Real-time Oscilloscope and automation software. The all-in-one solution supports tests of PCIe 5.0 electrical characteristics, physical-layer protocol analysis, and transmitter/receiver and Link Equalization Training (LEQ) tests to facilitate efficient development of high-speed ICs, devices, and networks used in emerging environments, including 5G. 

Anritsu and Tektronix end-to-end solution can be quickly configured to support required PCIe 5.0 specifications and supports automated transmitter test, receiver jitter tolerance test, and Tx/Rx LEQ compliance test items. It incorporates waveform-calibration automation software with analysis function using event trigger and high-speed calibration between the MP1900A BERT and DPO70000SX oscilloscope to reduce test times. Cost-of-test is lowered as the solution supports PCIe 1.0-5.0 without a hardware upgrade and can upgrade to PCIe 6.0 test capability with a minimum hardware investment.

The Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A series is a multi-channel BERT for designing and testing next-generation network interfaces, such as 200G/400G/800G Ethernet, as well as high-speed bus interfaces, including PCI Express 4.0/5.0, USB3.2, USB4™, and Thunderbolt™. It has a built-in pulse pattern generator (PPG) that produces best-in-class high-quality waveforms (115 fs low intrinsic jitter), as well as a high-sensitivity (15 mV) error detector (ED). A jitter (SJ, RJ, SSC, BUJ) generation source and CM-I/DM-I/white-noise generation source are also integrated into the instrument. Link Training and Link Training Status State Machine (LTSSM) analysis functions support various applications, including compliance tests, margin tests, and troubleshooting. 

With functions for evaluating PAM4 of optical modules, SERDES and other technologies used by data-center 200G/400G/800G Ethernet systems, the MP1900A BERT also evaluates PCIe 6.0 (PAM4 32 Gbaud) devices under development to ensure compliance with the latest PCI-SIG® standard. This expanded analysis capability controls test infrastructure costs.

The Tektronix DPO70000SX series 70 GHz Real-time Oscilloscope is linked with the Anritsu Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A BERT as an automated PCIe Gen5 (32 GT/s) Base & CEM transceiver solution. The new Tektronix receiver test automation software uses an optimization algorithm to correct 32 GT/s and 16 GT/s stressed-eye waveforms to shorten test times using the leading SigTest Phoenix test tool and fast parallel processing. Moreover, support for multiple form factors (M.2 and U.2) and clocking architectures (CC, SRNS, SRIS) supports A/D range optimization and low-noise PCIe Gen5 Base specification 32 GT/s uncorrelated jitter and pulse-width jitter measurements.

@AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @tektronix @NapierPR #TandM #Electronics

Oscilloscopes market redefined.

Two new oscilloscopes have been added by Tektronix, to its product line up with the launch of the 3 Series MDO and the 4 Series MSO. Engineered for a wide range of demanding applications at an affordable price, Tektronix’ new mind-range oscilloscopes have been reimagined with the award-winning user experience and industrial design first introduced in the 5 and 6 Series MSOs. Built from the engineer up, the 3 Series MDO and the 4 Series MSO round out Tektronix’ portfolio of oscilloscopes.

To meet a wide variety of development challenges, engineers need test instruments that are capable, versatile and, most of all, easy to use. The new 3 Series MDO and 4 Series MSO feature the largest display sizes in their class, highly intuitive touchscreen user interfaces, class-leading performance and advanced analysis capabilities.

“Tektronix is a company built for engineers, by engineers, and we continued that legacy when we developed our new scopes,” said Chris Witt, vice president and general manager, Time Domain Business Unit at Tektronix. “Our teams spent 100s of hours talking with engineers around the world, testing and prototyping new features and designs, and we’re excited to bring the very best products to market built around insight from everyday engineers.”

Together, the 3 Series MDO, 4 Series MSO and the 5 and 6 Series MSO oscilloscopes represent a state-of-the-art portfolio that look and drive the same and provide a complete range of performance, functions, specifications and price points that make them market leaders in their respective segments.

The 3 and 4 Series share a user interface design with touchscreens and front panels that keep key controls close at hand. Rather than digging through multiple menus to find settings, simply double-tap the appropriate readout or measurement on the display. Witt continued, “We made usability and versatility a top priority, so engineers can focus on innovation and solving difficult problems and not time wasted trying to figure out how to use their scopes.”

4 Series MSO: Large display, up to 6 Flex Channel® inputs
Large oscilloscope displays enhance user experience and speed up debugging and analysis tasks. The new 4 Series MSO features a 13.3-in. display with 1920 x 1080 HD resolution, the largest and highest resolution in its class. It offers bandwidths up to 1.5 GHz and uses 12-bit ADCs for the highest vertical resolution in its class as well. It is the first scope in this class to offer six input channels and with innovative FlexChannel™ technology, any input channel can be converted from an analog to eight digital channels simply by connecting a logic probe.

To meet a diverse range of application requirements, the 4 Series MSO is available with bandwidths starting at 200 MHz and is well supported with options including serial decode and analysis, an arbitrary/function generator and a DVM/frequency counter. The new Spectrum View feature offers time correlated frequency domain analysis with independent spectrum controls. A power analysis package is available to automate AC line, switching device, ripple and sequencing measurements.

Bandwidth and options are all field upgradeable. All models deliver a 6.25 GS/s sample rate on all analog and digital channels. Standard record length is 31.25 Mpoints with option for 62.5 Mpoints.

3 Series MDO: New levels of versatility
With a starting price point of €3,570, the 3 Series MDO is intended to be the compact, versatile test instrument that sits on the desk of every engineer. It features a sleek industrial design and the largest display in its class at 11.6-in. with full high-definition resolution. It uses the same intuitive user interface as the rest of the portfolio with a similar set of knobs and buttons but takes up less than 6 inches of depth on a bench.

The 3 Series MDO is more than an oscilloscope and can cover a wide range of debugging and validation tasks. It offers an optional spectrum analyzer up to 3 GHz, with a separate RF input and specifications comparable to a standalone analyzer. This enables engineers to quickly debug wireless components in their designs or quickly track down sources of unwanted EMI emissions without having to use another instrument. Sixteen digital input channels are available for mixed signal analysis. Comprehensive serial protocol debugging and triggering options, optional power measurement and an optional AFG set the standard for versatility. A DVM/frequency counter is included for free with product registration.

The new 3 Series MDO is available in bandwidths starting at 100 MHz and extending to 1 GHz. Models are available with 2.5 GS/s or 5 GS/s sample rates on all analog and digital channels. Standard record length is 10 Mpoints. For investment protection, bandwidths and options are fully field upgradeable.

The critical last few inches
The distance between the front of the oscilloscope to the device under test are critical to gaining insight into troublesome circuits. Both the 3 Series MDO and 4 Series MSO use the TekVPI probe interface, giving access to the full range of Tektronix differential voltage probes, active voltage probes, and current probes, plus the recently-introduced power rail probes and optically-isolated differential probes.

@tektronix #TandM

Synchronized views of analogue, digital waveforms and spectrum traces.

Tektronix has introduced the MDO4000C Series of Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes that can be configured with up to six instruments in a single unit including a full spectrum analyzer. Starting with the highest-performance oscilloscope of any 6-in-1 instrument from Tektronix, engineers can upgrade their MDO4000C instruments over time to meet their most demanding challenges and add functionality as needs change or budgets allow.

As with previous generations in the MDO4000 series, the MDO4000C provides a synchronized view of analog and digital waveforms along with RF spectrum traces, making it the ideal debug tool for Internet of Things (IoT) and many other embedded engineering applications. Like the 6-in-1 MDO3000 introduced last year, the MDO4000C expands on its core oscilloscope functionality with options to add a spectrum analyzer, arbitrary/function generator, logic analyzer and protocol analyzer. A digital voltmeter (DVM) is available for free with product registration.

“Integrated instruments have proven highly popular with our customers because they can cover more debugging and analysis tasks with a single instrument, allowing them to keep engineering programs on track and get to market faster,” said Chris Witt, general manager, Mainstream Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “The increased performance of the MDO4000C – what we call 6-in-1 plus – makes it the optimal tool for solving tough design problems.”
As an oscilloscope, the MDO4000C features long record length, fast sample rate and fast waveform capture rate to help uncover elusive problems. Performance enhancements compared to the MDO3000 integrated oscilloscope include:

• More scope performance – 20 Mpoint record length, up to 5 GS on all channels, >340,000 waveforms/s capture rate and a 50% larger display
• Up to 6 GHz spectrum analyzer with better spectrum analyzer performance, the ability to synchronize views across time and frequency domains, and the ability to perform vector signal analysis
• Logic analyzer timing resolution down to 60.6 ps and independent logic thresholds per channel enabling capture of multiple logic families at once
• Protocol analysis for up to three buses simultaneously with triggering up to 500Mb/s

Compared to standalone instruments, the MDO4000C saves time lost from having to look for and configure instruments and delivers outstanding value without compromising on performance. It also enhances usability through integration. For instance, the built-in arbitrary waveform generator makes it easy to capture signals on the scope, modify them, and then replay them through the generator, enabling margin testing by making it easy for users to add noise to any signal.

While saving bench space and improving usability is part of the MDO4000C’s DNA, it is also easy to acquire and own. The MDO4000C can be configured as a base oscilloscope with a competitive entry price of just €6,900. A 3- or 6-GHz spectrum analyzer, arbitrary/function generator, 16 logic channels, or protocol support can be added at the time of purchase, or added later as an upgrade, allowing it to precisely conform to every lab’s needs and budget. Oscilloscope bandwidth extends from 200 MHz to 1 GHz and can also be upgraded at any time.

Optical & wireless comms laboratory.

The Tektronix European Optical and Wireless Innovation Laboratory.

Tektronix, and IRCICA, a major French research laboratory, have opened a new optical and wireless communications innovation laboratory at the University of Lille (F). Fully outfitted with the latest Tektronix high-speed test solutions, the new laboratory will focus on coherent optical and THz wireless transceiver technology research while also making its facilities available to external companies working to develop high-speed optical and wireless technologies. The new facility will be named The Tektronix European Optical and Wireless Innovation Laboratory.

Fueled by the insatiable demand for ever-faster data transmission capacity around the world, the new lab will explore such technologies as spatial division multiplexing and multicore fibers in an effort to drive optical data transmission rates beyond the petabyte per second range (PB/s) – significantly faster than what’s possible currently.

To support such advanced research, the lab will be outfitted with the most capable coherent optical test solutions available in the industry. End-to-end transmit and receive test solutions in the lab will include a Tektronix AWG70001A 50Gs/S waveform generator, OM5110 46 Gbaud multi-format complex optical transmitter and their DPO77002SX ATI 70GHz real time oscilloscopes.

“Pushing data rates over PB/s is major challenge that requires the best of the best,” said Nathalie Rolland, IRCICA director. “For this new lab, IRCICA brings its expertise in modeling, optical characterization and state-of-the-art active and passive fibers manufacturing while Tektronix brings its industry leading next generation test equipment that will enable us to quantify signal quality in terms of BER, EVM and eye diagrams.”

Rolland also noted that the research is being conducted within the framework of the CPER (Les contrats de plan État‐Région ) “Photonics for Society,” Labex CEMPI (Le Laboratoire d'Excellence Centre Européen pour les Mathématiques, la Physique et leurs interactions, and Equipex “FLUX(Fibres optiques pour les hauts Flux).”

“This collaboration with IRCICA to open the Tektronix European Optical and Wireless Innovation Laboratory aligns well with our focus to enable innovation,” said Pat Byrne, President Tektronix. “We have a strong commitment to drive critical advancements in coherent optical and THz transceiver technologies in support of industry needs.”

Advanced analysis & characterization support for HDMI receiver testing!

Tektronix has expanded its portfolio of HDMI test solution with the addition of advanced analysis and characterization support for HDMI 2.0 receiver testing. The new HDMXpress  provides complete support for HDMI test pattern generation, auto-calibration and margin testing, eliminating the needs for manual pattern creation.

AWG7000

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has emerged as the de-facto industry standard for transferring video data to display devices. The technology continues to evolve rapidly, creating new test and measurement challenges for designers. HDMXpress will help them to better meet these challenges and will enable new testing strategies around receiver tests, ultimately leading to improved productivity and testing efficiency.

“With the addition of HDMXpress to our HDMI portfolio, Tektronix now offers customers developing HDMI-based products a comprehensive set of automated compliance and validation test solutions,” said Brian Reich, general manager Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “Our comprehensive HDMI 2.0/1.4a/b solutions include test fixtures, high-performance oscilloscopes, probing solutions and high-performance AWGs along with automated transmitter and receiver compliance test software.”

The HDMXpress software enables users to generate their own receiver test patterns quickly and easily. The tool interfaces with the TekExpress HDM application hosted on DPO70000 series Tektronix oscilloscopes and provides support for closed-loop calibration for the critical sink jitter tolerance test. It can be hosted on both AWG7000 and AWG70000 series arbitrary waveform generators. The use of direct synthesis for Rx testing reduces connection changes and avoids the need for external hardware filters and cable emulators. 

The product is well suited to the needs of HDMI product designers who need to perform advanced analysis and margin testing. At the same time, it supports validation and quality engineers who need to check for compliance of design prototypes and who depend on calibrated test setups prior to testing.

RF signal generator series leads in price!

The TSG4100A series of signal generators has been introduced by Tektronix. The TSG4100A is a vector signal generator (VSG) at the affordable price of basic signal generator. The new RF signal generator complements other leading mid-range RF test solutions from the company, such as the USB-based RSA306 spectrum analyzer, MDO4000B and MDO3000 mixed domain oscilloscopes. The TSG4100A is the first vector RF signal generator from a tier-one vendor with a price point of less €13,000 (£10,000).

RF signal generators are widely used in product design, testing and manufacturing. Until now, RF engineers and technicians had to choose between basic RF signal generators or far more expensive vector signal generators (VSG). The TSG4100A offers a VSG at an affordable RF signal generator price. Further, as an engineer’s needs change, the TSG4100A can be easily upgraded in the field to deliver more advanced vector and digital modulation capabilities.

“There is a clear need in wireless design and manufacturing for test solutions that are more affordable and still meet demanding requirements,” said James McGillivary, general manager of RF and Component Solutions at Tektronix. “Tektronix first made huge strides in filling this void with the highly disruptive RSA306 USB-based spectrum analyzer . Now we are continuing this momentum with the TSG4100A that offers unbeatable price performance in an RF vector signal generator.”

Great RF Performance
The TSG4100A series includes three models with carrier frequencies from DC to 2.0 GHz, 4.0 GHz and 6.0 GHz respectively. The instruments provide spur-free outputs with low phase noise (–113 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz), outstanding amplitude accuracy (<+/- 0.4 dB at 1 GHz, 0dBm CW signal from +16dBm to -100 dBm level range) and excellent frequency resolution (1 μHz at any frequency). An oven-controlled crystal oscillator time-base provides <±0.002 ppm temperature stability and <±0.05 ppm aging stability, the most accurate and stable available for a mid-range signal generator.

Analog Modulation
TSG4100A signal generators offer a wide variety of modulation capabilities. Modes include amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (ΦM), and pulse modulation. There is an internal modulation source as well as an external modulation input. Unlike most analog signal generators, the TSG4100A can sweep continuously from DC to 62.5 MHz. And for frequencies above 62.5 MHz, each sweep range covers more than an octave.

Vector Modulation
Units can be software upgraded to support VSG applications. With the vector upgrade, TSG4100A series offers full support for vector signal modulation on RF carriers between 400 MHz and 6.0 GHz. It features a dual, arbitrary waveform generator operating at 125 MHz for baseband signal generation. The generator has built-in support for the most common vector modulation schemes: ASK, QPSK, DQPSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8PSK, FSK, CPM, QAM (4 to 256), 8VSB, and 16VSB. It also includes the standard pulse shaping filters used in digital communications: raised cosine, root-raised cosine, Gaussian, rectangular, triangular, and more. For additional flexibility, the rear-panel BNC I/Q modulation inputs support arbitrary vector modulation from an external source.

Wireless Lab Management Solution for Education!

Tektronix has announced the industry's first wireless lab instrument management solution for quickly setting up and efficiently managing basic electronics engineering laboratories at colleges and universities. The new TekSmartLabTM TSL3000A solution supports up to 120 instruments (30 test benches) on a single platform.

At many learning institutions, implementing productive and fully integrated instrument networks in classrooms can be a daunting task. For instance, using LAN cables to set up a network is costly, time consuming and limits flexibility. Moreover, many instruments lack LAN ports. By converting instruments' USB ports into a wireless interface using a Wi-Fi-USB converter, TekSmartLabTM eliminates cabling hassles while giving professors the software tools they need to efficiently manage large, busy

classrooms.

"Centralized control of instruments dramatically improves the classroom and lab experience for students, instructors and lab managers, " said Michael Ewald, General Manager, Bench Products, at Tektronix. "TekSmartLabTM eliminates many repetitive manual tasks, saving valuable class time. Features such as intuitive laboratory layout emulation, automatic instrument configuration, and push-button report generation mean that professors and students can focus on learning and not shuffling paper or configuring their tools."

Running on a lab server, TekSmartLabTM sets up quickly without any LAN cables or special instrument configuration. From a central dashboard, professors can load instrument configurations associated with different course requirements and then distribute them to up to 120 instruments with a single mouse click. Professors can easily check the instrument status and measurement contents to help with a specific test bench remotely and to save a student's measurement results into a report.

TekSmartLab also improves overall lab management. In conventional teaching labs, asset managers must manually check and record information such as instrument model numbers, serial numbers, and location. Detailed information such as the length of usage can only be estimated by experience or by keeping usage logs. In contrast, TekSmartLabTM automatically records and displays asset information and tracks usage time.

A typical classroom test bench consists of an oscilloscope, function generation, digital multi-meter and power supply. Most Tektronix and Keithley instruments intended for education applications are supported by TekSmartLab including Tektronix TBS1000B-EDU series, DPO/MSO2000B series and MDO3000 series oscilloscopes; AFG2021 and AFG3000C series arbitrary function generators; and Keithley DMM2110 multi-meters and 2231A-30-3 power supplies. 

The next generation of mobile memory technology!

Tektronix, Inc has just announced the first complete PHY layer and conformance test solution for JEDEC LPDDR4, the next generation of mobile memory technology. Slated for adoption starting in 2015, LPDDR4 builds on the current generation of LPDDR3 technology and will deliver improved data rates up to 4.26 Gb/sec and use an ultra-low voltage core to reduce power consumption by approximately 35 percent to enhance performance in mobile devices like smartphones, wearables & tablets.

LPDDR4 introduces new test and measurement challenges due to lower input/output voltage of just 1.1V, higher data rates and compact mechanical designs that limit access to test points. There are also multiple changes in Vref, read burst and write burst which further increase the complexity to perform the tests mandated by the JESD209-4 specification. Tektronix provides the industry’s most complete set of tools design engineers need for qualifying their LPDDR4 designs. Through automated set-up and test execution, the Tektronix solution can reduce testing cycles from a week or more to a single hour.

"There’s no question that LPDDR4 makes validation far more complex and challenging for the entire mobile memory ecosystem, from silicon vendors to system integrators," said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “We offer the test and measurement tools needed to efficiently bring this exciting technology to market, from high-performance oscilloscopes and probes to advanced analysis software spanning the entire memory validation continuum."

With this introduction, Tektronix now offers integrated PHY layer testing and debug of the new LPDDR4 standard in DDR-LP4 analysis software. By automating test setup and execution, DDR-LP4 gives memory designers the confidence that they are in full conformance with memory standards. Should a memory system fail conformance tests, designers can quickly switch to debug mode and use tools like the powerful Visual Trigger capability on Tektronix oscilloscopes to isolate events of interest for deeper root-cause analysis with the DPOJET Jitter and Eye measurement toolkit.

LPDDR4 interposers
In conjunction with partner Nexus Technology, Tektronix is also introducing the industry's first LPDDR4 memory component interposers featuring two patented interposer designs. EdgeProbe™ interposers are designed for the demanding mechanical constraints required by mobile designs while socketed interposers are available for ease of use, reusability and component swapping.

Unique agreement provides bit error rate tester for Europe!

Microlease is Only Western European Partner to Offer New Tektronix BERTScope for 100G systems

Microlease plc has announced an agreement on a 6 month project with Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, allowing it to offer the new BERTScope® BSA286CL. Microlease will be the only provider in Britain, France, Germany and Italy using its full range of financial solutions for the manufacturer’s equipment: Tektronix-Rent, Tektronix-Try, Tektronix-Defer and Tektronix-Lease.

BERTScope Bit Error Rate Tester

Commenting, Dean Miles, EMEA Technical Marketing Manager from Tektronix said, “By partnering with Microlease, we are able to offer our customers unprecedented flexibility in accessing and using BERTScope technology. By sourcing through Microlease, customers can access the instrument that they require cost-effectively based on their needs in terms of frequency of use and budget situation. They can use rental to obtain immediate use of an instrument, fulfilling the measurement needs of their project and allowing full evaluation of the equipment. Moreover customers can also then move to longer term leasing or outright purchase arrangements, including a ‘Try’ option that gives rebates for the rental period. Microlease’s footprint with customers as a total solutions provider made it the ideal choice for this technology. For many of our customers working on short to mid-term projects, having alternative financial solutions to source the equipment when they actually need it, is vitally important”

George Acris, Director of Marketing, Europe at Microlease added, “The Tektronix BERTScope Bit Error Rate Tester Series provides a new approach to signal integrity measurements of serial data systems. With the new addition, this Series is now able to fully test 100G communications standards. We are proud and delighted that Tektronix has decided to partner with Microlease on a new instrument which will be highly significant to its users, including many in the Semiconductor and Defence industries as well as many other sectors.”

The Tektronix BSA286CL BERTScope Bit Error Rate Tester is being exhibited in Europe for the first time at ECOC, Europe’s largest optical communications event this week in Cannes (F). The BSA286CL is designed for the low intrinsic jitter and precision impairments required for testing a broad set of 100G communications standards including OIF-CEI, CAUI, and InfiniBand Standards. The BSA286CL is the industry's first to fully meet these precision impairment and error analysis requirements for 100G systems, along with ease of use which BERTScopes are renowned for.

• Microlease was presented with the highly prestigious Company of the Year award for Best Practise in Global Test and Measurement Rental and Leasing Services at Frost & Sullivan’s annual Growth, Innovation and Leadership awards ceremony in London in May 2014.

Integration breakthrough offers 6 instruments in 1 oscilloscope.

The MDO3000 Series of Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes has been released by Tektronix . The ultimate integrated oscilloscope that includes a spectrum analyser, logic analyser, protocol analyser, arbitrary function generator and digital voltmeter, the MDO3000 clears the design bench of costly, specialised equipment and provides the tools needed to test and debug virtually any embedded design. In addition, Tektronix has developed the MDO3000 to be completely customisable enabling customers to select the functionality and performance needed now - and later.

With the complexity of modern embedded designs coupled with the growth of wireless, it has become increasingly costly to give designers all the tools they need for efficient debug and troubleshooting. The MDO3000 fundamentally changes the rules by offering the functionality of six independent instruments without the significant cost of separate instruments.

“The case for integrated, multi-instrument oscilloscopes is extremely compelling on multiple levels,” said Dave Farrell, general manager, Mainstream Oscilloscopes at Tektronix. “In addition to cost savings, the MDO3000 saves space on the engineer’s bench, improves usability with the same basic controls for multiple instruments and ensures engineers always have access to all the instruments they need. There’s no need to track down a spectrum analyser or function generator when it’s already built into your scope.”

Integrated spectrum analyser!
Recent research shows over 25% of oscilloscope users now use a spectrum analyser multiple times per week1, and over 40% of embedded design projects include some form of wireless capability2. As the world’s only oscilloscope with a built-in spectrum analyser, the MDO3000 Series is uniquely positioned to address this paradigm shift for today’s designers. Now engineers can access both time domain and frequency domain analysis in a single instrument. When compared to both standalone oscilloscopes and basic spectrum analysers in this class, the MDO3000 Mixed Domain Oscilloscope provides best-in-class performance and features, providing the convenience of a single instrument without performance trade-offs.

Fully upgradeable platform
With the MDO3000 Series, engineers can start with the minimum performance and functional levels they need to accomplish the project at hand with the knowledge that their test platform can be upgraded in the field without delay. Performance upgrades include analog bandwidth of the oscilloscope and input frequency of the spectrum analyser. Functional upgrades include the addition of digital channels, protocol analysis, arbitrary function generation or digital voltmeter measurements.

Six Instruments, One Oscilloscope, Infinite Versatility
The MDO3000 Series oscilloscopes feature 2 or 4 analog input channels with bandwidth ranging from 100 MHs to 1 GHs, 16 digital channels (optional) and one RF input channel matching the bandwidth of the oscilloscope (9 kHs up to analog bandwidth). The RF input frequency on any model can be extended to 3 GHs.

Based on the MSO/DPO3000 Mixed Signal Oscilloscope Series, the MDO3000 provides industry leading debug functionality. With the new FastAcq feature, the MDO3000 oscilloscopes offer a more than 280,000 waveforms per second capture rate displayed on a vibrant digital phosphor display for easily finding infrequent anomalies in a signal. More than 125 available trigger combinations, automated serial and parallel bus analysis, innovative Wave Inspector controls, and optional automated power measurements round out the feature-set, and ensure comprehensive tools for every stage of debug. This functionality is extended with the addition of 9 optional serial protocol analysis packages – I2C, SPI, RS-232, USB 2.0, CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MIL-STD-1553, and Audio.

The integrated, optional 50 MHs AFG functionality is more than two times faster than competitive offerings with eight times the arbitrary waveform record length. While the integrated digital voltmeter (DVM) provides 4-digit AC RMS, DC, or AC+DC RMS voltage measurements, as well as 5-digit frequency measurements in a large, easy-to-read display that makes changes in your readings instantly visible. The DVM feature is available free of charge when an MDO3000 product is registered.

Adding to the value story, MDO3000 instruments are the first in the industry to offer 3.9 pF passive voltage probing on instruments with a starting price of €2,700/£2,250. For higher speed applications, 1 GHs passive voltage probes are offered standard with 1 GHs instruments – the only in the industry. These low capacitance probes minimise the impact on devices under test while reducing signal distortion and cleanly passing the signal to the oscilloscope for measurement.

“The trend toward integrated instrumentation is one that we plan to embrace wholeheartedly. We can now give our engineers the full set of tools they need while lowering overall cost of ownership,” said Scott Ausborn, test engineer supervisor, Logitech, UE. “But what makes the MDO3000 particularly attractive is the integrated spectrum analyser. Wireless is showing up in more products every day, and EMI challenges come up regularly, so having a spectrum analyser tightly integrated into our scopes isn’t just a nice to have, it’s becoming a core requirement.”

MIPI M-PHY Receiver Test solution!

Latest update to M-PHY Receiver test offering includes full support for HS Gear2 and Gear3, PWM Mode, auto calibration and margin testing

Tektronix has expanded the capabilities for its M-PHY Receiver test solution. The additional capabilities include physical layer receiver testing for High Speed Gear2 and Gear3, support for PWM Mode (G0-G7), auto-calibration and margin testing.

Engineers developing next generation mobile devices based on the M-PHY physical layer can now use this solution to resolve design challenges and overcome signal integrity issues by performing automated conformance, product validation and margin tests with ease.

Support for HS Gear2 and Gear3 and PWM Mode (G0-G7) gives designers the flexibility to perform tests at the full range of data rates for comprehensive insights into their designs. The auto calibration support for high speed gears reduces the complexity of setup, saves time, and enables users to test devices faster. Margin testing for high speed gears allows designers to validate and stress their devices to maximum potential resulting in competitive technical specifications for their products.

?Tektronix?s M-PHY receiver testing solution provides deep insights that the designers need to identify design and characterization issues early on in the product development phase,? said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. ?This solution combined with the measurement precision of Tektronix oscilloscopes allows designers to stress the theoretical limits of their devices, test products faster in an automated environment and bring product to market in less time.?

Simplifying Complex M-PHY Testing
The MIPI Alliance?s M-PHY specification provides a low-power and low cost PHY solution which is scalable and flexible enough to address existing and future mobile and consumer device markets. With its changeable gears, terminations, amplitudes and high-speed serial data rates, M-PHY presents a number of test challenges on both receiver and transmitter sides that require dedicated test solutions.

Tektronix M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX automated software, for use with Tektronix DPO/MSO70000 Series oscilloscopes, covers the full range of M-PHY transmitter and receiver test requirements and features extensive protocol decode support. On the transmitter side, test setup and execution is fully automated and requires only a single instrument. For M-PHY receiver testing a performance oscilloscope and AWG7000 Series arbitrary waveform generator are the only instruments required. TekExpress automation software delivers a convenient user interface and intuitive workflow through setup and testing.

Tektronix acquires Picosecond Pulse Labs #TandM

Tektronix has acquired Picosecond Pulse Labs. The move is intended to strengthen the Tektronix portfolio in the growing market for test equipment to support 100G/400G optical data communications research and development. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Privately-held Picosecond Pulse Labs, based in Colorado (USA), offers products that include ultra-high-speed pattern generators, the world's fastest pulse generators and highest bandwidth sampler modules. The company recently introduced the PatternPro line that includes multi-channel 32 Gb/s data generators and analysers for 100G/400G applications.

"Picosecond Pulse Labs has a long history of designing and manufacturing cutting-edge instrumentation and brings a particular focus on the high-speed optical test market with its new 32 Gb/s error detectors and pattern generators," said Amir Aghdaei, president of Tektronix. "When combined with our high-speed oscilloscopes and other product offerings, Picosecond will further strengthen our portfolio of solutions in the critical 100G/400G data communications segment."

BroadR-Reach PHY automated compliance test!

Tektronix has announced a "one-box" solution for BroadR-Reach® PHY compliance testing. The new Option BRR  for Tektronix oscilloscopes automates the full range of tests required for BroadR-Reach compliance testing and can save users up to 90 percent on testing time compared to manual testing.

Backed by the OPEN Alliance (One-Pair Ether-Net) Special Interest Group (SIG), BroadR-Reach Ethernet technology enables 100Mbps connections over unshielded single twisted pair cable. It is expected to gain widespread adoption within the automotive industry over the next few years, helping to improve in-vehicle safety, comfort and infotainment, while significantly reducing network complexity and cabling costs. As this market expands, automated compliance testing will be critical to ensuring that BroadR-Reach compatible products interoperate and deliver expected performance.

"Tektronix is the ideal test partner for any company developing or implementing BroadR-Reach products today or in the future," said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. "We are a leader in Ethernet compliance testing and have a long-history of supporting emerging standards with best-in-class compliance test solutions. For BroadR-Reach PHY testing, we offer the industry's only "one-box" test solution and currently have the
only automated solution for the specification."

To help engineers test BroadR-Reach products quickly and efficiently, Option BRR allows the use of a single Tektronix oscilloscope for the full range of tests required by the specification including power spectral density (PSD) and return loss measurements. Until now, engineers have been required to use a spectrum analyzer and a network analyzer respectively for these tests. Tektronix has filed unique IP for performing these tests with an oscilloscope. This "one-box" solution simplifies setup complexity and reduces equipment expense.

The Option BRR solution recommends a test fixture that provides a mechanism to add a "disturbing" signal which is needed to perform the distortion measurement, one of the most important measurements recommended by the specification. Competitive offerings do not currently offer disturber support.

"The transition to BroadR-Reach Ethernet in automotive is moving at full speed," said Dr. Ali Abaye, Senior Director of Automotive at Broadcom. "An important factor in the success of a new networking standard is the support of leading test and measurement providers to ensure that devices are compliant with the specification. We are encouraged that Tektronix has stepped up to deliver an innovative BroadR-Reach compliance and automation test solution and believe it will help drive adoption of Ethernet technology throughout the automotive industry."

Multi-format, multi-standard portable waveform monitor wins award!

Tektronix has announced its new WFM5250 has received an outstanding 4.5 Diamond rating in the Broadband Technology Report's Diamond Technology Reviews, marking the sixth year a Tektronix product has received 4 or more Diamonds in this highly regarded product reviews program.

In its ninth year, the Diamond Technology Reviews (commonly referred to as "the Diamonds") are determined by unbiased evaluations by a distinguished and independent panel of Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) national board members and cable engineering experts, including senior executives from the largest U.S. cable operators.

"Receiving such a high score in the Diamond Technology Reviews for a newly released product is recognition of Tektronix' dedication to developing measurement tools that the market wants and needs," said Eben Jenkins, general manager, video product line, Tektronix. "With HDMI connectivity and the ability to decode HDCP protected content, the WFM5250 can make objective measurement directly from the output of set-top boxes and the 3G-SDI interfaces allow it to be used in traditional monitoring applications. Tektronix remains dedicated to developing products, features and technologies to help operators deliver high quality video and audio to television and mobile receivers."

The latest addition to the Tektronix award-winning line of waveform monitors, the WFM5250, meets the increasing need to truly verify the quality of video the subscriber is viewing. Being the first waveform monitor capable of HDMI with HDCP, the WFM5250 enables monitoring video and audio outputs of set-top boxes, allowing operators to get the complete view of picture quality and gain the ability to determine exactly where issues impacting service.

Beyond application of the newest technology, Diamond rankings are determined based on innovation, ease-of-use, efficiency, reliability and contribution to profitability. This year's Diamond judges recognised the newly released WFM5250 for its abilities to monitor the HDMI/HDCP output
from STBs to ensure quality of experience (QoE) that contributes to subscriber's satisfaction and operator's profitability.

The WFM5250's unique monitoring features can also be used to measure and
report loudness compliance to EBU R128.

Entry level oscilloscope series expanded

Tektronix has expanded its TBS1000 oscilloscope series to include three new 4-channel models at 60 MHz, 100 MHz and 150 MHz bandwidth. Designed and built by Tektronix, the TBS1000 oscilloscopes are backed by a 5-year warranty for years of reliable electronics testing in research and development, education, service and manufacturing applications.

With a full set of the most frequently used measurement types and analysis functions, the instruments offer excellent performance and accuracy with up to 1 GS/s sample rate and 2 percent dc gain accuracy down to 2 mV/div.

The TBS1000 Series (TBS stands for Tektronix Basic Scope) oscilloscopes were launched in November 2012 bringing five 2-channel models to market. The addition of 4-channels adds versatility that opens up the TBS1000 series to a wider range of test environments, such as entry level design and debug and quality assurance applications.

Both the 2- and 4-channel oscilloscopes include a fully-featured, fully documented programmatic interface for instrument control and data transfer, a waveform logging feature that allows users to log waveforms to a USB flash drive, and a pass/fail mask test that allows a user to specify a tolerance band around the signal and take action if the signal goes outside the band.

“At these prices service facilities, test labs, design centers and universities around the world can afford to equip their entire teams with a very capable digital oscilloscope,” said Jeff Yost, general manager, Basic Oscilloscopes at Tektronix. “And this isn’t just another oscilloscope – it’s a Tektronix oscilloscope, the most widely used oscilloscope in the world. That means intuitive operation familiar to engineers everywhere and accurate, repeatable results.”

Next generation 70GHz oscilloscopes incorporate IBM' 9HP SiGe technology

New performance oscilloscope series also offers improved signal fidelity to power high end test applications

The next generation of high performance real-time oscilloscopes, from Tektronix,  will incorporate IBM’s latest 9HP silicon-germanium (SiGe) chip-making process. This fifth generation of IBM’s semiconductor technology along with other advances such as patent pending Asynchronous Time Interleaving announced previously will result in oscilloscopes with bandwidth capability of 70 GHz and improvements in signal fidelity.

Operating at speeds up to 350 GHz, 9HP is the first SiGe technology in the industry featuring the density of 90nm BiCMOS and delivers higher performance, lower power and higher levels of integration than current 180nm or 130nm SiGe offerings. Tektronix has been a long-time adopter of SiGe, using it to consistently deliver the best performing and most accurate oscilloscopes in the industry.

The next generation of performance oscilloscopes from Tektronix is due for availability in 2014. With real-time bandwidth of 70 GHz, and the potential for more in future iterations, the new oscilloscope platform will deliver the performance and signal fidelity needed for applications such as 400 Gbps and 1 Tbps optical communications and fourth generation serial data communications. This level of advancement in oscilloscope technology is a direct result of Tektronix’s commitment to innovation and one the industry’s highest levels of R&D investment year over year.

“By extending our long-standing relationship with technology leader IBM, Tektronix is continuing to push the envelope on what can be achieved in high-fidelity, high-speed data acquisition systems. Early adoption of 9HP has allowed our engineers to explore innovative architectures and performance thresholds once thought unattainable,” said Kevin Ilcisin, chief technology officer, Tektronix. “The advanced 9HP SiGe BiCMOS technology provides the faster switching speeds, high integration levels, and low noise our next generation of performance instrumentation requires to meet customer requirements.”

Improving Signal to Noise
In addition to leveraging the advances made possible by 9HP, Tektronix’ forthcoming oscilloscopes will benefit from the use of Asynchronous Time Interleaving technology to improve signal-to-noise ratio beyond the frequency interleaving approach in use by some vendors today. In traditional frequency interleaving, each analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the signal acquisition system only sees part of the input spectrum. With Asynchronous Time Interleaving, all ADCs see the full spectrum with full signal path symmetry. This offers the performance gains available from interleaved architectures but without the same impact to signal fidelity. To learn more, download the new white paper “Techniques for Extending Real-Time Oscilloscope Bandwidth.”

Investment Protection
Over the past decade, Tektronix has consistently anticipated the proper levels of bandwidth support for the leading serial standards, and is an active participant in such bodies as the IEEE Society, PCI-SIG, SATA-IO and USDB-IF. The Tektronix Performance Oscilloscope Investment Protection Program provides customers with a cost-effective migration path to higher-performance oscilloscopes as their needs evolve. If interested, customers should contact their Tektronix Account Manager to discuss future migration plans.

Waveform monitor with HDMI/HDCP connection

Tektronix has expanded its award-winning line of waveform monitors and rasterisers with its new WFM and WVR5250 models, the only products in their respective classes to offer HDMI-HDCP inputs that enable broadcasters, operators and equipment manufacturers to directly monitor the quality of the video and audio output of set-top boxes (STBs) and Blu-ray players for the first time. This unique capability makes the WFM/WVR5250 the most comprehensive, compact and portable video and audio test tools available for acquisition, post production and compliance monitoring.

Before the WFM/WVR5250 and its HDMI-HDCP inputs, there was no way to monitor the video signal quality output from STBs, Blu-ray players and other consumer devices with HDMI outputs. The majority of video and audio content provided through the HDMI connector on consumer devices such as STBs and Blu-ray players is encrypted, using HDCP for copy protection and only certified HDCP compliant devices can provide the necessary decoding. The WFM/WVR5250 is HDCP compliant allowing users to have direct access to the data they need to assess the quality of the signal output by any consumer device that uses HDMI interfaces. This is essential for users who are trying to objectively measure the customer Quality of Experience and compliance to broadcast and regulatory standards as seen by viewers.

In addition to checking the output of their STBs, broadcasters, operators and equipment manufacturers can use the HDMI-HDCP connectivity of the WFM/WVR5250 to test new STB firmware releases in the lab and diagnose interoperability issues. This eliminates the need for dedicated HDMI protocol analyzers. Operators can also conduct audio loudness "quick checks" which is important for complying with the EBU - Recommendation R 128 and for ensuring audio quality during live sports events and other programming.

"As the only waveform monitors and rasterizers with HDMI-HDCP inputs, our new WFM/WVR5250 models are truly state-of-the-art, setting a new standard for the industry," said Eben Jenkins, general manager, Video Product Line, Tektronix. "Adding the flexibility to monitor set-top box outputs with EBU R 128 compliance 'quick checks', combined with monitoring Blu-ray players' video and audio outputs, exemplifies our commitment to innovation and continued dedication to helping our customers stay at the forefront of their industries."

Waveform generators

Tektronix has unveiled its next generation of arbitrary waveform generators that offer up to 50 GS/s sample rate performance. With the industry’s best combination of high sample rate, long waveform memory and deep dynamic range, the new AWG70000 Series supports a wide range of demanding signal generation requirements in defense electronics, high-speed serial, optical networking and advanced research applications.

As data rates and signal complexity continue to increase across all electronics and RF segments, engineers and researchers need more advanced signal generators to fully stress test designs or to perform cutting-edge research. The AWG70000 Series meets this need with its unique combination of 50 GS/s sample rate performance, 16 GS of waveform memory, and 10 bit vertical resolution. This means it produces fast, clean signals that can be routed through a receiver or other device under test for long periods of time for truly comprehensive testing.

“The AWG70000 series represents a significant advance for customers who are pushing against today’s performance boundaries and need a more powerful way to generate accurate test signals at high sample rates,” said Jim McGillivary, general manager of the Source Analyzer Product Line, Tektronix. “This next generation of arbitrary waveform generators further extends Tektronix’s long track record of leadership and innovation in advanced signal generation technologies.”

Researchers at Bell Labs, the research organization within Alcatel-Lucent, recently turned to the AWG70000 to generate signals for advanced research demonstrating 1.5 Terabits per second superchannel transmission over ultra-long-haul optical fiber distances. “The sampling rate of 50 GS/s combined with the ability to synchronize two AWGs enabled us to generate 30 GBaud signals per optical carrier, with a data rate of 233 Gb/s, more than twice the previous record,” said S. Chandrasekhar, one of the lead Bell Labs researchers on this project. His colleague, Xiang Liu added, “the performance and signal purity of the AWG70000 more than met our requirements for this demanding experiment.”

The AWG70000 Series gives design engineers and researchers the ability to create, generate or replicate ideal, distorted or “real-life” signals, an essential step in the design and measurement process. By offering easy generation of very complex signals with complete control over signal characteristics, the AWG70000 Series offers an industry best solution for measurement challenges in the following applications:

Defense Electronics – The AWG70000 offers bandwidth on demand by generating wide bandwidth signals at baseband, IF and RF frequencies up to 20GHz, with greater than -80 dBc dynamic range. With up to 16 GSamples of waveform memory, it can generate unique signals that are long enough to simulate real world environments, making it the most flexible wideband signal generation product available today.

Optical – Researchers developing new and faster optical technologies can use the sample rate and high vertical resolution of the AWG70000 to very high bandwidth signals with good spectral purity. Multiple units can be synchronized together to provide a complete IQ signal generation at these high bandwidths.

High-Speed Serial – A number of next generation serial buses have intense signal generation needs. For instance, the AWG70000 offers a two-box solution for HDMI 2.0, supporting four lanes at 6 Gbps per lane. It gives designers the ability to add impairments to waveforms directly, eliminating the dependency on hardware elements to generate the necessary signals.

Advanced Research – The AWG70000 Series is ideal for a variety of research applications, giving scientists the ability to create high precision, high-speed non-standard waveforms. With the AWG70000, engineers and researchers can now generate signals that they previously could not generate.

Superchannel coherent modulation analysis

Tektronix has a new software option for its OM4000 optical modulation analyser series that offers automated test support for 400G multi-carrier coherent optical modulation. This software option will greatly reduce test times for researchers working on 400G and faster coherent optical systems while providing the flexibility to define carrier count, carrier spacing and modulation formats. It also provides compiled carrier measurement results and multi-carrier visualisation for integrated analysis.

The new software is available to Tektronix customers as Option MCS on the OM4106D Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyser and OM1106 Coherent Lightwave Signal Analyser Software. The OM4106D is tightly integrated with Tektronix DPO70000D Series 33 GHz oscilloscopes and uses coherent detection to acquire fiber signals carrying up to 240 Gb/sec per wavelength.

“The explosive growth of mobile and cloud computing continues to drive long-haul optical communications bandwidth demands, leading to new designs which leverage existing infrastructure using coherent optical technology,” said Brian Reich, general manager Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. “We see 400G as the next big milestone and superchannel technology as the most likely winner, at least in the near term. This new software will go a long way toward helping to advance multi-carrier modulation methodologies as new standards emerge.”

Multi-carrier 400G Gaining Support
With 100G now heading into deployment, network equipment manufacturers are investigating ways to achieve networks speeds of 400G and beyond. Instead of simply increasing the symbol rate of a single carrier, one proposal gaining momentum is to transmit in parallel by using multiple carriers at lower individual rates. Multi-carrier systems such as this have been dubbed superchannels.


There is currently no industry consensus on how to build superchannels. Vendors differ on characteristics as basic as carrier count and carrier spacing to what modulation format should be used. Therefore, a measurement system must have the flexibility to adapt to all these formats. With Option MCS, Tektronix is the industry’s first test supplier to offer multi-carrier or superchannel support.


Fast, Automated Results
Option MCS software is designed for optimum ease-of-use and flexibility. To launch tests, the user simply enters multi-carrier variables such as number of carriers, carrier spacing, and modulation format in a simple table. The software automatically steps through each carrier; setting up the local oscillator and measurement parameters based on the information entered into the carrier information table. When all measurements are complete, the system provides the results from all carriers side-by-side for easy correlation and quick identification of problems.