Agilent/Keysight E4861B

The Agilent/Keysight E4861B is a VXI plug-in base module for the ParBERT 81250 platform, enabling automated bit error ratio testing of high-speed digital communication systems from 21 Mb/s to 3.35 Gb/s. This single-slot module accepts two front-end cards - such as the E4862B generator or E4863B analyzer - to configure parallel or serial test channels with synchronized operation across up to 64 channels. The E4861B delivers low intrinsic jitter, supports differential and single-ended I/O, and accommodates memory-based patterns up to 16 Mbit per channel, making it suitable for characterization and validation in R&D and manufacturing environments targeting PCIe, SATA, and 10GbE standards.

Technical Specifications

• Data Rate Range: 21 Mb/s to 3.35 Gb/s


• Maximum Clock Rate: 3.35 GHz (with E4808A or E4809A clock modules)


• Channel Count: Up to 64 synchronized channels (with appropriate front-end modules)


• Memory Depth: 16 Mbit per channel


• Pattern Types: PRBS up to 2^31-1, Pseudo Random Word Sequences (PRWS), memory-based patterns


• Transition Time (20%-80%): 75 ps typical


• Input Sensitivity: Less than 50 mV


• Jitter Injection: 500 ps delay line

Key Features

• Modular architecture accommodates two front-end plug-in cards for flexible test configurations


• Differential and single-ended data I/O for signal conditioning across varied implementations


• Low intrinsic jitter with controllable jitter injection for signal integrity testing


• VXI form factor provides integration with standard modular instrument chassis

Typical Applications High-speed digital communication device validation, serial protocol characterization, parallel bit pattern testing, and manufacturing test environments requiring multi-channel synchronized operation at data rates up to 3.35 Gb/s.

Compatibility & Integration Designed for the ParBERT 81250 platform and operates with Keysight 81250 ParBERT Measurement Software. Compatible with E4862B (3.35 Gb/s generator frontend) and E4863B (3.35 Gb/s analyzer frontend) modules. Requires E4808A or E4809A clock modules for maximum performance.