Agilent/Keysight J1421A

The Agilent/Keysight J1421A is a clock source module for high-speed digital testing within VXI instrumentation systems. It generates precise clock signals at 10 Gb/s and 2.5 Gb/s, with clock offset capability of ±20 ppm. The module accepts multiple external reference sources - 156 MHz, 622 MHz, and 2.5 GHz - and external clock inputs at 10 GHz and 2.5 GHz.

It can slave to a 156 MHz clock recovered from a J1420B Receiver module, making it essential for network analysis and bit error rate testing applications requiring stable, synchronized timing signals.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Clock Source VXI Module


• Form Factor: C-size, two-slot VXI module


• Register-Based: Yes


• Clock Generation: 10 Gb/s and 2.5 Gb/s outputs


• Clock Offset: ±20 ppm


• External Reference Source Input: 156 MHz, 622 MHz, 2.5 GHz


• External Clock Input: 10 GHz, 2.5 GHz


• Slaving Capability: 156 MHz recovered clock from J1420B Receiver module

Key Features

• Dual clock generation at industry-standard data rates for high-speed testing


• Multiple reference input options for flexible system synchronization


• Fine clock offset tuning for precision measurements


• Direct integration with Agilent/Keysight receiver modules via slaving capability


• Part of the SpectralBER Clock Source product family

Typical Applications

• Bit Error Rate (BERT) testing on high-speed digital signals


• Network analyzer clock sourcing


• Synchronization within VXI-based instrumentation systems

Compatibility & Integration The J1421A integrates into standard VXI chassis and works with the J1420B Receiver module for clock recovery and synchronization. Its register-based architecture enables straightforward control and configuration within larger test systems.