Tektronix BSX320 BERTScope Protocol-aware 32 Gb/s Bit Error Ratio Analyzer

The Tektronix BSX320 BERTScope is a protocol-aware Bit Error Ratio Analyzer designed for characterization and validation of high-speed serial data links up to 32 Gb/s. This instrument accelerates debugging of physical layer and link training issues while validating compliance with Gen3 and Gen4 standards including PCIe, SAS, SAS/SATA, USB 3.1, and DisplayPort.

Technical Specifications

• Data rate: Up to 32 Gb/s for pattern generation and error analysis


• Standards support: Gen3 and Gen4 protocols (PCIe, SAS, SAS/SATA, USB 3.1, DisplayPort, proprietary standards)


• Protocol-aware handshaking and synchronization with device under test


• DUT handshaking capability above 16 Gb/s for RX test requirements, including loopback initiation and adaptive link training


• 4-tap transmit equalization (optional)


• Jitter analysis from 1.5 to 32 Gb/s with random jitter up to 0.5 UI, band-limited 10 MHz to 1 GHz (1.5 MHz to 100 MHz in PCIe2 mode)


• BER-based direct Total Jitter measurement to 10⁻¹² BER and beyond


• Jitter decomposition: random jitter, bounded uncorrelated jitter (BUJ), data dependent jitter (DDJ), inter-symbol interference (ISI), duty cycle distortion (DCD), sub-rate jitter (SRJ)


• Eye diagram analysis with BER correlation, mask testing, and BER contour


• Optional jitter map for comprehensive decomposition including long patterns (PRBS-31)

Key Features

• Protocol-oriented and bit-oriented multi-chain pattern sequencing with enhanced pattern/sequence editor


• User-defined detector pattern matching with stimulus-response feedback


• Optional forward error correction (FEC) analysis with post-FEC error rate simulation


• Patented Error Location Analysis for deterministic error pattern correlation


• Stressed signal generation (STR) for stressed receiver sensitivity and clock recovery jitter tolerance testing


• Spread spectrum clocking (SSC) measurement and display with frequency deviation and modulation rate analysis

Typical Applications Physical layer validation, link training debugging, receiver sensitivity characterization, clock recovery jitter tolerance assessment, and compliance verification for high-speed serial standards.