Agilent / Keysight M8296A Electrical High Speed Digitizer

The Keysight M8296A Electrical High-Speed Digitizer is a four-channel modular instrument housed in a single AXIe slot, purpose-built for real-time capture and analysis of transient waveforms, serial data, and jitter across communication and electronics applications. Operating from 50 kHz to 42 GHz with 37 GHz analog bandwidth (3 dB), the M8296A achieves 92 GSa/s sampling and supports symbol rates to 74 Gbaud, delivering 8-bit resolution across 512 kSa maximum record length per channel. The digitizer integrates with Keysight's Vector Signal Analyzer and Optical Modulation Analyzer software platforms and combines with complementary AXIe modules - including the M8292A optical modulation analyzer and M8196A arbitrary waveform generator - for multi-domain test solutions.

On-board FPGA processing enables real-time algorithm execution for immediate signal characteristic detection, with optional firmware supporting specialized functions such as digital down-conversion and waveform averaging. Captured data streams to external post-processing environments including MATLAB, supporting parametric characterization of coherent optical receivers, IQ impairment analysis, and gain imbalance measurements. The M8296A addresses signal integrity validation, coherent receiver testing, and modulation analysis where high bandwidth, fast sampling, and integrated processing accelerate measurement cycles.

Technical Specifications

• ADC Resolution: 8 bits


• Analog Bandwidth: 37 GHz (3 dB)


• Frequency Range: 50 kHz to 42 GHz


• Maximum Sample Rate: 92 GSa/s


• Maximum Detectable Symbol Rate: 74 Gbaud


• Maximum Record Length: 512 kSa/channel


• Channels: 4 electrical inputs


• Form Factor: 1-slot AXIe module

Key Features

• Real-time FPGA-based algorithm processing for fast transient detection


• Firmware options for averagers and digital down-conversion


• Integration with Vector Signal Analyzer and Optical Modulation Analyzer software


• 8-bit sampling across four independent channels with synchronized acquisition

Typical Applications

• Dual-polarization coherent receiver output digitization


• Integrated Coherent Receiver (ICR) module parametric testing


• S21 magnitude response and IQ skew characterization


• EVM noise floor and image suppression measurement


• Multi-channel signal integrity and jitter analysis

Compatibility & Integration

• Operates within AXIe chassis architecture


• Combines with M8292A modular optical modulation analyzer and M8196A 92 GSa/s arbitrary waveform generator


• Exports waveform data for external processing via MATLAB and equivalent environments


• Interfaces through Keysight VSA and OMA software suites