Agilent/Keysight E4201A

The Agilent/Keysight E4201A is a 2.048 Mb/s E1 line interface module designed as a single-slot C-size VXI card for integration into Broadband Series Test System (BSTS) mainframes. It generates and analyzes ATM cell streams encapsulated within E1 framing, enabling testing at both the physical layer and ATM cell layer.

Technical Specifications

The E4201A operates at 2.048 Mb/s conforming to E1 framing standards. Clock modes include internal (stratum 3), external, and recovered clock configurations. External clock input accepts TTL signals at 50 ohm nominal impedance via SMB connector. Transmit and receive trigger outputs are delivered on SMB connectors with TTL output and 50 ohm nominal impedance. Maximum power dissipation is 25 Watts. The module measures 1.3 kg nominal.

Key Features The E4201A generates and analyzes ATM cell streams with flexible traffic simulation capabilities. A foreground channel stimulates the device under test, while up to 100 background channels support load testing. Fill cells occupy unused bandwidth. The module creates normal and abnormal test traffic, including erroneous patterns to assess protocol robustness. Error insertion and measurement functions include bit error rate testing via PRBS pattern injection and analysis. Cell delay and interarrival time measurements are achieved through timestamp insertion in transmitted cells. Physical layer error and alarm generation simulates stress conditions and abnormal network states. Incorrect byte insertion enables error stressing of test signals.

Operational Modes The E4201A supports terminal mode operation as a test endpoint. Monitor mode observes network traffic without insertion. Near-end and far-end loopback modes return signals for diagnostic testing. Drop-and-insert functionality allows selective traffic segment insertion or removal.

Compatibility & Integration The module integrates as a C-size VXI card within Agilent/Keysight E4200 or E4210 series BSTS mainframes. Front panel connectors accommodate TE or NT symmetrical line interface connections. Clock and trigger I/O via SMB connectors enable synchronization with external test equipment.