Keysight (Agilent) N4872A 13.5 Gb/s Generator Parbert

The Keysight N4872A is a 13.5 Gb/s generator module purpose-built for high-speed digital interface characterization across R&D and manufacturing environments. This ParBERT generator delivers precise signal generation from 620 Mb/s to 13.5 Gb/s, supporting both differential and single-ended outputs with programmable pattern generation and error injection capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Data Rate & Signal Generation

• Operating range: 620 Mb/s to 13.5 Gb/s


• Output amplitude: 0.1 Vpp to 1.8 Vpp (5 mV resolution)


• Transition time (20%–80%): less than 20 ps


• Jitter: less than 9 ps peak-to-peak (typical)


• Jitter modulation bandwidth: DC to 1 GHz


• External clock input: 620 MHz to 13.5 GHz


• Crosspoint adjustment: 20% to 80%


• Output termination: 50 Ohm center-tapped or 100 Ohm differential Pattern Capabilities


• Pseudo-random word sequences (PRWS)


• PRBS patterns up to 2³¹–1


• Memory-based patterns up to 64 Mb


• User-defined patterns


• Mixed data patterns (PRBS + user-defined combinations)

Key Features Fast edge transitions under 20 ps enable accurate timing characterization. Low jitter performance - 9 ps peak-to-peak typical - supports stringent signal integrity requirements. Flexible pattern generation spans from industry-standard PRBS sequences to custom memory-based designs, accommodating both protocol validation and stress testing scenarios.

Typical Applications

• 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10.3 Gb/s, 9.953 Gb/s)


• 10-Gigabit Fiber Channel (10.51875 Gb/s)


• High-speed I/O standards: InfiniBand, Serial ATA, PCI-Express, Firewire, Rapid I/O (6.25–6.4 Gb/s)


• OC-768/STM-256 and OC-192/STM-64 hierarchies


• Concurrent multi-device manufacturing test

Compatibility & Integration The N4872A occupies one VXI slot within the Keysight 81250 ParBERT modular platform. Operation requires the E4809A Central Clock module. Typically paired with the N4873A 13.5 Gb/s Analyzer Module for full transceiver characterization. The 81250 platform supports generator and analyzer modules rated to 45 Gb/s.