Agilent/Keysight E4853A

The Agilent/Keysight E4853A is a serial cell generator and analyzer module for high-speed burst-mode data testing in telecommunications and networking environments. It integrates one serial cell generator and one analyzer into a single VXI-based instrument, delivering precise bit-error-rate measurement and flexible pattern generation across a wide bit rate range. Housed within a VXI mainframe such as the Keysight E1401B, the E4853A supports multiple cascaded modules for scalable test system configurations.

Technical Specifications

• Algorithmic patterns: PRBS (2^n–1) with n = 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 31 per CCITT O.151


• Memory-based patterns: 64 Kbit to 1024 Kbit programmable depths per channel


• Bit rate: 170 kbit/s to 250 Mbit/s standard; up to 660 Mbit/s with Option 660


• Cell structure: Variable length and timing with up to 28 mixed PRBS and user-defined pattern segments per cell


• Output formats: Normal and inverted signals Bit-Error-Rate Analysis


• System clock for all generators and analyzers


• External analyzer clock from recovered DUT output


• Single sampling point per bit


• Required eye-opening: >50% of bit period and >1 ns (standard); >400 ps with external analyzer clock


• Analyzer clock input frequency: 170 kHz to 250 MHz standard; 330 MHz to 660 MHz with Option 660 Control and Timing


• Multiple control signals triggerable from generated cells, analyzer expected cells, or frame start


• Linked timing to DUT stimulation and external equipment

Key Features

• Supports up to 28 pattern segments per cell for complex burst scenarios


• Recovers timing from Device Under Test via external analyzer clock input


• Accommodates input jitter and wander within specified eye-opening constraints


• Optional auxiliary output (Option 001) and clock input module (Option 002)

Typical Applications

• High-speed serial data link characterization and validation


• Burst-mode receiver and transmitter BER testing


• Telecommunications equipment verification


• Data networking system analysis

Compatibility & Integration Designed for VXI mainframe integration, particularly the Keysight E1401B 13-slot C-size frame. Multiple E4853A modules cascade within a single system for parallel test channels and expanded capacity.