Agilent/Keysight M8041A

The Keysight M8041A is a J-BERT module engineered for receiver characterization and link validation across single and multi-lane high-speed digital interfaces. Operating within the M8020A BERT system architecture, it delivers pattern generation and error detection to 8.5 Gb/s and 16 Gb/s, supporting up to four 16 Gb/s BERT channels in a 3-slot AXIe chassis with expansion capability to 32 Gb/s via the M8061A multiplexer or M8062A front-end. The module excels at jitter injection and characterization.

It integrates calibrated sources for Random Jitter (RJ), Periodic Jitter (PJ1, PJ2), Spurious Jitter (SJ), Bursty Jitter (BUJ), sinusoidal interference in common-mode and differential-mode configurations, and Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC) in triangular, arbitrary, and residual variants. An 8-tap de-emphasis stage (positive and negative) provides up to 20 dB of adjustment, while integrated and adjustable Intersymbol Interference (ISI) emulates channel loss effects. Link training capabilities span PCI Express at 8 GT/s and 16 GT/s, SAS-3, and USB 3.0/3.1 protocols.

The module supports interactive TxEQ training for IEEE 10GBASE-KR, 25GBASE-KR, and 100GBASE-KR4 applications. Built-in clock data recovery (CDR) and equalization streamline test configurations; analyzer equalization is available as an option (M8041A-0A3).

Technical Specifications

• Data Rates: 8.5 Gb/s and 16 Gb/s pattern generator and error detector


• BERT Channels: Up to four 16 Gb/s channels per 3-slot AXIe chassis; expandable to 32 Gb/s


• De-emphasis: 8-tap topology, ±polarity, up to 20 dB adjustment range


• Reference Clock Input: 0.2 to 1.4 Vpp amplitude; 10 MHz to 16.2 GHz (or 16.5 GHz) frequency; 50 Ω single-ended; SMA female connector


• Control I/O: Four universal control inputs with adjustable threshold; three universal control outputs with adjustable levels

Key Features

• Jitter injection: RJ, PJ1/PJ2, SJ, BUJ, sinusoidal (CM/DM), SSC (triangular/arbitrary/residual)


• Adjustable ISI for loss emulation


• Interactive link training: PCIe, SAS-3, USB 3.0/3.1, and IEEE KR protocols


• Built-in CDR and equalization

Typical Applications

• High-speed serial interface receiver characterization


• Protocol compliance and link training validation


• Jitter tolerance and channel loss testing


• Multi-lane device verification

Compatibility & Integration Designed for 3-slot AXIe chassis integration. Expansion to 32 Gb/s via M8061A multiplexer or M8062A BERT front-end.