Agilent/Keysight E4869A

The Agilent/Keysight E4869A is a 3-slot VXI demultiplexer module designed for high-speed serial data analysis within the ParBERT 81250 43G bit error ratio testing system. It demultiplexes serial data streams up to 43.2 Gb/s into 16 parallel differential channels operating at 2.7 Gb/s each, enabling comprehensive characterization of transceivers, SerDes devices, and multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits. The module supports OC-768 and SFI-5 interface testing with configurable 4:1, 16:1, and 1:16 multiplexing ratios.

Technical Specifications

• Data Rate: Serial input up to 43.2 Gb/s; parallel outputs up to 16 differential channels at 2.7 Gb/s each


• Module Type: DeMUX (demultiplexer), 3-slot VXI form factor


• Parallel Data Interface: 16 differential data outputs (D0–D15) via 32 cables


• Output Amplitude: Approximately 0.5 V differential


• Signal Format: NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero)


• Clock Distribution: Sub-rate clocks at 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, or 1/64 of master period; external clock sources up to 20 GHz, 26 GHz, or 50 GHz recommended


• Pattern Generation: PRBS and memory-based pattern support


• FEC Testing: Supports Forward Error Correction device analysis at 43.01841 Gb/s with 255/236 overhead rates

Key Features

• Bit Error Ratio (BER) testing on demultiplexed serial interfaces


• Analysis of user-defined patterns and PRBS/PRWS sequences


• OC-768 16:1 and 4:1 mux/demux test capability


• SFI-5 interface support up to 1:16 multiplexer and demultiplexer analysis


• Operates as integral module within ParBERT 81250 43G modular BERT system

Typical Applications

• High-speed transceiver and SerDes characterization


• OC-768 optical interface testing


• SFI-5 framer-to-SerDes link validation


• Forward Error Correction device performance evaluation


• Serial-to-parallel data stream decomposition for detailed signal analysis

Compatibility & Integration

• System Integration: Agilent ParBERT 81250 43G


• Mainframe Configuration: Two VXI mainframes typically required for 40 Gb/s testing; one mainframe accommodates up to 16 channels at 2.7 Gb/s plus 43.2 Gb/s mux/demux module


• Software Platform: MS Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 via external PC


• Interface: IEEE 1394 PC link to VXI with plug-and-play drivers