Agilent/Keysight M8050A

The Keysight M8050A is a Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) for characterization of high-speed digital interfaces in data center and server applications. Operating at data rates up to 120 GBaud, it supports multiple line coding formats

NRZ, PAM3, PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 - enabling pathfinding and compliance testing across emerging 400/800/1600 GbE, PCIe 7.0/6.0/5.0, USB4, and OIF-CEI standards. The system delivers exceptional signal integrity with intrinsic random jitter below 100 fs and transition times under 5 ps.

Technical Specifications

• Data Rate: Up to 120 GBaud


• Output Amplitude: 1.4 Vpp at 120 GBd


• Line Coding: NRZ, PAM3, PAM4, PAM6, PAM8


• Jitter Performance: Transition time <5 ps; intrinsic random jitter (RMS) <100 fs


• Jitter Injection: Calibrated injection for RJ, PJ1, PJ2, BUJ, sRJ, and Clk/2 tolerance testing


• De-emphasis: Seven-tap built-in for channel loss compensation


• Equalization: Forward Feedback Equalizer (FFE)


• Clock Data Recovery: Integrated CDR with adjustable loop bandwidth to 16 MHz


• Error Analysis: Real-time up to 64 GBaud PAM4 with integrated clock recovery and equalization; UXR-B models extend analysis above 64 GBd

Key Features

• Pattern generation modules available for 32 GBd (M8042A-G32), 64 GBd (M8042A-G64), and 120 GBd (M8042A-G12)


• Single-channel (M8042A-0G1) or dual-channel (M8042A-0G2) configurations


• Remote heads: M8059A (120 GBd, 1.0 mm connectors) and M8058A (64 GBd, 1.85 mm connectors)


• Supports 800G and 1.6T link training


• Modular AXIe form factor integrating with M9505A chassis and M8070B control software


• Keysight Trigger Bus synchronization across modules

Typical Applications

• datacenter serial link validation


• High-speed digital interface characterization


• Receiver tolerance testing with precise jitter injection


• Channel loss compensation and equalization assessment

Compatibility & Integration Part of the Keysight M8000 Series BERT platform. Operates in AXIe chassis with M9537A Embedded PC Controller support. Pattern Generator (M8042A) occupies 2 slots (one-channel) or 3 slots (two-channel); Error Analyzer (M8043A) requires 2 slots.