Agilent N4906A Serial BERT 3.6 Gb/s CFG001 12 Gb/s

The Agilent N4906A Serial BERT with CFG001 option is a Bit Error Ratio Tester for validating high-speed serial communication components and systems. Operating up to 3.6 Gb/s with external clock capability, it delivers precise error detection and pattern generation across telecommunications and digital device manufacturing workflows. The instrument combines flexible test pattern generation, adjustable error injection, and multi-mode triggering in a single platform.

Technical Specifications

• Operating frequency: 50 MHz to 3.6 GHz (external clock); 50 MHz to 3.0 GHz (internal clock)


• Internal clock accuracy: ±20 ppm


• Test patterns: 2^31-1, 2^23-1, 2^15-1, 2^10-1, 2^7-1 PRBS; 2^23, 2^15, 2^10, 2^7 PRBS; variable mark density (1/8 to 7/8); user-defined patterns up to 8 Mbits; alternating patterns up to 4 Mbits each


• Output amplitude: 0.5 V to 2 V in 10 mV steps


• Output offset: Variable with 10 mV resolution


• Transition time (10-90%): <42 ps typical <30 ps


• Jitter (peak-to-peak): <20 ps typical <12 ps (internal source)


• Clock/data delay: 0 to 1 bit period or 10 ns maximum


• Error injection: 1×10⁻² to 1×10⁻⁹ single errors; user-specified burst errors


• Output termination: 50 Ω -# Error Detector


• Operating frequency: 50 MHz to 3.6 GHz


• Data input amplitude: 0.1 V to 2 V typical


• Threshold range: +3 V to -3 V with 0.5 mV resolution


• Threshold terminations: 50 Ω to -2 V, 0 V, or +1.3 V


• Clock input amplitude: 0.2 V to 2 V typical


• Data input delay: 0 to 1 bit period or 10 ns maximum


• Connectors: DC-coupled 50 Ω APC-3.5 female -# Trigger Output


• Divided clock mode: Pulses at 1/8th clock rate


• Pattern mode: Pulses at fixed bit position within pattern

Key Features

• Flexible pattern editing with cut, copy, paste functions


• Selectable output polarity and variable crossover


• Switchable clock termination voltages with input frequency measurement


• High impedance output when disabled