Rohde & Schwarz EFA20 Digital (QAM) TV Test Receiver, DVB-C, Selective

The Rohde & Schwarz EFA20 is a digital TV test receiver engineered for DVB-C (QAM) signal analysis and measurement. This selective measurement platform delivers constellation diagram analysis, bit error ratio (BER) assessment, echo measurement, and real-time signal demodulation across multiple digital and analog television standards. Built on modular architecture, the EFA20 supports DVB-C, DVB-T, ATSC/8VSB, and analog TV standards with configurable options for MPEG-2 analysis.

The instrument operates across 5 MHz to 1 GHz, accommodating QAM constellations from 4 to 256 states. An integrated noise generator enables noise margin evaluation, while advanced digital signal processing delivers quasi-error-free (QEF) operation with system FEC improving BER from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹⁰–10⁻¹¹. IEC/IEEE-bus and RS-232-C interfaces enable remote control and data integration in broadcast and cable network environments.

Technical Specifications

• Signal Standards: DVB-C (QAM), DVB-T, ATSC/8VSB, ITU-T J.83/A/B/C, analog TV (B/G, I, D/K, M/N)


• Frequency Range: 5 MHz to 1 GHz; variant configurations 47–862 MHz or 48–862 MHz


• Intermediate Frequency: 36 MHz


• QAM Constellations: 4, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 state


• System FEC: Improves BER from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻¹⁰–10⁻¹¹ for QEF operation


• Standards Compliance: EN 300 429 (DVB-C framing, channel coding, modulation); ISO/IEC 13818-1 (MPEG-2 system layer)

Key Features

• Selective measurement with constellation diagram analysis and automatic transmission parameter assessment


• Real-time BER measurement and demodulation


• Integrated noise generator for noise margin testing


• Echo and amplitude/phase response measurement


• Modular design with QAM demodulator and DVB-C digital TV options


• Optional MPEG-2 analyzer/decoder for SDTV applications

Typical Applications

• Cable television (DVB-C) network verification and commissioning


• Broadcast signal quality monitoring and troubleshooting


• Network operator acceptance testing and performance validation

Compatibility & Integration

• IEC/IEEE-bus and RS-232-C interfaces for automated test systems


• Compliant with DVB-C EN 300 429 standard


• Supports multiple analog and digital TV transmission standards in single platform