HP / Agilent 70001A W/ 70841B, 70842B Pattern Generator OPT H50

The HP/Agilent 70001A mainframe with 70841B Pattern Generator and 70842B Error Detector modules forms a modular digital communication test system operating from 50 MHz to 3 Gbit/s. This configuration delivers serial pattern generation, error detection, and bit-error-rate measurement across high-speed data channels. The 70001A 8-slot mainframe provides the infrastructure - power conditioning, cooling, MSIB module interconnect, and IEEE-488 control - enabling scalable test configurations within the HP Modular Measurement System architecture.

Technical Specifications

• Data rate range: 100 Mbit/s to 3 Gbit/s (70841B and 70842B)


• Operating frequency: 50 MHz minimum (Option H50 enabled)


• Pattern memory: 8192 bits internal per module; 4 Mbits disk storage per module


• Mainframe architecture: 8-slot, supports 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-width MMS plug-in modules


• Power supply: Regulated 40 kHz AC to modules; 5 Vdc for MSIB; fan DC power; TTL line synchronization


• I/O ports (70841B): 8 total - six front panel, two rear panel


• I/O ports (70842B): 5 total - two front panel, three rear panel


• Mainframe module slots: 418 MMS configuration


• IEEE-488 (HP-IB) interface for external control and GPIB integration

Key Features

• Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence generation: 2³¹-1, 2²³-1, 2¹⁵-1, 2¹⁰+1, 2⁷+1 with selectable polynomials


• User-defined serial pattern capability with substitution of zeros to extend run lengths


• Mark density control: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 ratios of ones to total bits


• Alternate pattern and word generation via rear-panel auxiliary input


• Floppy disk drive integration for pattern storage and retrieval


• Error detection and bit-error counting with reference pattern comparison


• Option H50: Extends operating frequency floor to 50 MHz


• EMC performance and field-proven structural design for laboratory and production environments

Typical Applications

• High-speed serial data link characterization


• BER measurement and eye diagram analysis


• PRBS pattern-based compliance testing


• Custom pattern generation for protocol-specific test sequences

Compatibility & Integration Modular System Interface Bus (MSIB) architecture enables integration with other HP 70000 Series MMS modules. Compatible with HP/Agilent 71603B Error Performance Analyzer. Supports both benchtop and standard EIA rack mounting.