Coherent Solutions BERTPXIe-1003 User manual

BERTPXIe-1003/1005
Bit Error Rate Tester
USER MANUAL

PXIe Platform Bit Error Rate Tester |BERTPXIe-1003/1005
Coherent Solutions Ltd. Version 1.00 i
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However, no responsibility is assumed by Coherent Solutions for its use nor for any
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The information contained in this publication is subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
Coherent Solutions’ trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence or
absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any trademark.
LabVIEW™, MATLAB® and Python® are trademarks of National Instruments, The MathWorks
Inc., and the Python Software Foundation respectively. Neither Coherent Solutions Ltd nor any
software programs or other goods or services offered by Coherent Solutions are affiliated with,
endorsed by, or sponsored by National Instruments, The MathWorks Inc., and the Python
Software Foundation.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and practices.
Version 1.00

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Contents
1Conventions..................................................................................................................................................6
2Safety Information.......................................................................................................................................7
Electrostatic discharge precautions ..................................................................................................... 7
Electromagnetic compatibility ............................................................................................................... 8
3BERTPXIe –Bit Error Rate Tester introduction ........................................................................................9
What’s in the box?..................................................................................................................................... 9
Getting started...........................................................................................................................................9
BERTPXIe overview ................................................................................................................................10
Status LED................................................................................................................................................12
4Module connection....................................................................................................................................13
Electrostatic discharge protection ......................................................................................................13
Connector care........................................................................................................................................14
Cable selection........................................................................................................................................14
4.3.1 Use a torque wrench..................................................................................................................15
4.3.2 Make a connection.....................................................................................................................16
4.3.3 Separate a connection ..............................................................................................................16
5Installing/removing the BERTPXIe module.............................................................................................17
Installing the BERTPXIe module ..........................................................................................................17
Removing the BERTPXIe module ........................................................................................................19
6CSL software installation ..........................................................................................................................22
Software components ...........................................................................................................................22
Operating system requirements ..........................................................................................................22
Installation procedure............................................................................................................................22
7cohesionUI™ ...............................................................................................................................................25
Accessing cohesionUI ...........................................................................................................................25
Home ........................................................................................................................................................26
Modules....................................................................................................................................................26
Settings.....................................................................................................................................................27
Info.............................................................................................................................................................28
General usage..........................................................................................................................................29
8Control the BERTPXIe module with cohesionUI.....................................................................................30
Module configuration.............................................................................................................................31

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8.1.1 Set up the data rate ...................................................................................................................31
8.1.2 Configure the trigger out signal ...............................................................................................32
Check module status .............................................................................................................................33
Error detection.........................................................................................................................................34
8.3.1 Error detection indicators .........................................................................................................34
8.3.2 Start/stop error detection .........................................................................................................35
8.3.3 Specify the pattern of the input signal....................................................................................35
8.3.4 Invert the polarity of the test pattern ......................................................................................35
8.3.5 Configure the receiver equalization setting ...........................................................................36
8.3.6 Inject errors.................................................................................................................................37
8.3.7 Specify the result display type .................................................................................................37
8.3.8 Eye scan ......................................................................................................................................37
Chart operations .....................................................................................................................................39
Pulse pattern generation .......................................................................................................................40
8.5.1 Set up the transmitter de-emphasis........................................................................................41
8.5.2 Set the cross-point level............................................................................................................43
8.5.3 Invert the generated pattern.....................................................................................................43
8.5.4 Start/stop pattern generation ..................................................................................................44
9Programming guide...................................................................................................................................45
Programming conventions ...................................................................................................................45
9.1.1 Unit ...............................................................................................................................................45
9.1.2 Syntax format .............................................................................................................................46
9.1.3 Module (slot) and unit (channel) index ...................................................................................46
9.1.4 Message queues ........................................................................................................................46
Common system commands ..............................................................................................................47
9.2.1 *CLS .............................................................................................................................................47
9.2.2 *ESR?............................................................................................................................................48
9.2.3 *IDN? ............................................................................................................................................49
9.2.4 *OPC?...........................................................................................................................................49
9.2.5 *OPT? ...........................................................................................................................................49
Slot commands.......................................................................................................................................50
9.3.1 :SLOT<n>:IDN? ............................................................................................................................50
9.3.2 :SLOT<n>:OPTions? ...................................................................................................................51
9.3.3 :SLOT<n>:OPC?...........................................................................................................................51
9.3.4 :SLOT<n>:GRouP:TEMPerature?..............................................................................................52
9.3.5 :SLOT<n>:ReSeT.........................................................................................................................52
9.3.6 :SLOT<n>:TeST? .........................................................................................................................52
Instrument specific commands...........................................................................................................53

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9.4.1 :CALCulate<n>:DATA<m>:EALarm?.........................................................................................56
9.4.2 :CALCulate<n>:DATA<m>:EALarm:ELAPsed?........................................................................56
9.4.3 :CALCulate<n>:DATA<m>:EDIAGram? ....................................................................................57
9.4.4 :CALCulate<n>:DATA<m>:EDIagram:STATus? ......................................................................58
9.4.5 :SENSe<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:ARBitrary?.............................................................................59
9.4.6 :SENSe<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:ARBitrary...............................................................................60
9.4.7 :SENSe<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:STanDard?............................................................................61
9.4.8 :SENSe<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:STanDard..............................................................................62
9.4.9 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EALarm:MODE?.............................................................................62
9.4.10 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EALarm:MODE ..........................................................................63
9.4.11 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:STARt .........................................................................................63
9.4.12 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:STOP ..........................................................................................63
9.4.13 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:ENABle? .....................................................................................64
9.4.14 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:HORIzontal?............................................................64
9.4.15 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:HORIzontal..............................................................65
9.4.16 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:PatternLENgth?......................................................65
9.4.17 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:PatternLENgth........................................................66
9.4.18 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:STARt ......................................................................66
9.4.19 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:STOP........................................................................66
9.4.20 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:VERTical? ................................................................67
9.4.21 :SENSe<n>:MEASure<m>:EDIagram:VERTical..................................................................67
9.4.22 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:EQBoost?....................................................................................68
9.4.23 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:EQBoost......................................................................................68
9.4.24 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:EQBoost:MODE?........................................................................69
9.4.25 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:EQBoost:MODE..........................................................................69
9.4.26 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:LOGic?.........................................................................................70
9.4.27 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:LOGic...........................................................................................70
9.4.28 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:TYPE?..........................................................................................71
9.4.29 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:TYPE............................................................................................71
9.4.30 :SENSe<n>:PATTern<m>:EINJect .......................................................................................72
9.4.31 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:VCOLock? ............................................................................................72
9.4.32 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:DIVIde? .................................................................................................73
9.4.33 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:DIVIde...................................................................................................73
9.4.34 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:ARBitrary?.......................................................................74
9.4.35 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:ARBitrary ........................................................................75
9.4.36 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:STanDard?......................................................................76
9.4.37 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:FREQuency:STanDard .......................................................................77
9.4.38 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:POWer? ................................................................................................77
9.4.39 :OUTPut<n>:CLOCk:POWer ..................................................................................................78

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9.4.40 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:AMPlitude?.....................................................................................78
9.4.41 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:AMPlitude.......................................................................................79
9.4.42 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:CPOint?...........................................................................................79
9.4.43 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:CPOint.............................................................................................80
9.4.44 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:OUTPut? .........................................................................................80
9.4.45 :OUTPut<n>:DATA<m>:OUTPut...........................................................................................81
9.4.46 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:DEEMphasis? ..........................................................................81
9.4.47 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:DEEMphasis ............................................................................82
9.4.48 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:DEEMphasis:CURSor? ...........................................................82
9.4.49 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:DEEMphasis:CURSor .............................................................83
9.4.50 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:LOGic? ......................................................................................83
9.4.51 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:LOGic ........................................................................................84
9.4.52 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:TYPE? .......................................................................................84
9.4.53 :SOURce<n>:PATTern<m>:TYPE .........................................................................................85
Multi-chassis commands......................................................................................................................85
9.5.1 :SYSTEM:CHASSIS? ...................................................................................................................87
9.5.2 :SYSTEM:CHASSIS.....................................................................................................................87
Example: Control of the BERTPXIe modules with SCPI ..................................................................88
Communication with a PXIe module via SCPI commands ............................................................90
9.7.1 NI-MAX.........................................................................................................................................90
9.7.2 NI-VISA.........................................................................................................................................91
9.7.3 Python 2.7 ...................................................................................................................................93
9.7.4 MATLAB.......................................................................................................................................93
9.7.5 MATLAB code example.............................................................................................................94
10 Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................95
Transportation.........................................................................................................................................95
Routine maintenance.............................................................................................................................95
11 Technical support ......................................................................................................................................97
12 Warranty .....................................................................................................................................................98
General Information ...............................................................................................................................98
Liability......................................................................................................................................................99
Exclusions ................................................................................................................................................99
Certification..............................................................................................................................................99
Service and Repairs................................................................................................................................99

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1Conventions
Before using the instrument described in this manual, take note of the following conventions:
NOTE
Indicates some information that requires your attention or some extra
information for the current topic.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in component damage. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product that you should not overlook.

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2Safety Information
Before using the BERTPXIe modules, ensure that you read and understand the following
safety information.
Electrostatic discharge precautions
CAUTION
The BERTPXIe-1003/1005 (BERTPXIe) modules are sensitive to
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Store the modules that are not installed in
protective electrostatic packaging.
Ensure that a wrist strap and grounding table mat is used when unpacking or handling the
BERTPXIe modules. Proper grounding and ESD management practices must always be
followed to ensure that no ESD damage is caused to the modules.

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Electromagnetic compatibility
CAUTION
•For electromagnetic compatibility, this instrument is a Class A
product. It is intended for use in an industrial environment. There
may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic
compatibility in other environments, due to conducted as well as
radiated disturbances.
•Wherever the symbol is printed on the unit, refer to the
instructions provided in the device documentation for related
safety information. Ensure that the required conditions are met
and understood before using the product.

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3BERTPXIe –Bit Error Rate Tester introduction
What’s in the box?
Each BERTPXIe module is shipped with the following items in the box:
1. BERTPXIe-1003/1005 module
2. PXIe Quick Start User Guide
3. USB media drive containing:
•Coherent Solutions Ltd. (CSL) software installer
•BERTPXIe-1003/1005 User Manual
•PXIe Quick Start Programming Guide
•PXIe Software Installation Guide
•cohesionUI User Guide
4. BERTPXIe-1003/1005 Testing Certificate (retain this hardcopy for your reference)
5. RF Harness (for applicable models only)
Relevant documentation can also be downloaded from the Coherent Solutions website:
https://www.coherent-solutions.com/resources/pxi/
Getting started
1. Consult the PXIe Quick Start Guide for information on setting up and controlling the
module with cohesionUI.
2. Make sure that all necessary software is installed on the chassis that is housing the
module. Consult the PXIe Software Installation Guide for relevant installation
information.
3. For module communication, consult the PXIe Quick Start Programming Guide included
on the USB media drive.

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BERTPXIe overview
The BERTPXIe-1003/1005 from Coherent Solutions is a 4-channel pattern generator and error
detector for the design, characterization, and production of optical transceivers and opto-
electrical components at data rates up to 14.5 Gb/s.
1
Fastening screw
2
Status LEDs for error detection
3
RF harness (Only provided for BERTPXIe-1005)
4
Error detector RF input
5
Status LEDs for pattern generation
6
Pattern generator RF output
7
Divided clock output
8
Model information
9
Fastening clip
10
PXIe headers

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Module information
The following diagram provides details about the error detector RF input and the pattern
generator RF output of BERTPXIe-1003/1005:
1a
Error detector channel 1 (Positive)
1b
Error detector channel 1 (Negative)
2a
Error detector channel 2 (Positive)
2b
Error detector channel 2 (Negative)
3a
Error detector channel 3 (Positive)
3b
Error detector channel 3 (Negative)
4a
Error detector channel 4 (Positive)
4b
Error detector channel 4 (Negative)
5a
Pattern generator channel 1 (Positive)
5b
Pattern generator channel 1 (Negative)
6a
Pattern generator channel 2 (Positive)
6b
Pattern generator channel 2 (Negative)
7a
Pattern generator channel 3 (Positive)
7b
Pattern generator channel 3 (Negative)

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8a
Pattern generator channel 4 (Positive)
8b
Pattern generator channel 4 (Negative)
Status LED
The status LEDs are used to denote the operation state of the BERTPXIe.
Once the system is powered on, the LEDs are turned on in green sequentially, and then change
to red sequentially. The color of the LEDs changes to orange during the initialization of the
system. After successful initialization, the LEDs are turned off.
For each channel of the pulse pattern generator (PPG), the state of the LED is as follows:
•Green –Pattern generation is running
•Off –The module is powered off or no pattern generation is running
For each channel of the error detector (ED), the state of the LED is as follows:
•Green –Error detection is running
•Orange –Eye scan is running
•Off –The module is powered off or no error detection or eye scan is running

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4Module connection
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to remove or adjust any component of the PXIe
chassis while the power is on. Ensure the chassis is powered OFF, and
that the correct handling procedure detailed herein is followed when
you remove or install any modules.
CAUTION
Incorrect or negligent practice during the connection or disconnection
of an RF cable to the RF output port may cause internal damage to the
module.
IMPORTANT
After a cold boot, wait at least 30 minutes before starting to use the
error detection or pattern generation modules.
Electrostatic discharge protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. Instruments
might be damaged when an ESD occurs during transport, storage or use of electronic
components.
The BERTPXIe contains ESD sensitive components. To avoid the damage that an ESD can
cause while in storage, always store the module in the ESD safe bag in which it is shipped.
When handling a BERTPXIe module, always ensure that you are grounded and wearing a 1 MΩ
resistor-isolated wrist-strap. Do not remove the module from the antistatic packaging until you
are instructed during the installation procedure.
When operating any of the BERTPXIe modules in a PXIe chassis, make sure the chassis, and
all other instruments and test devices are properly grounded to prevent static charge build up.

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Connector care
To connect to the BERTPXIe module, Rosenberger to 2.92 mm break-out cables are required.
Connectors in the high frequency range have precision dimensions and require proper
handling to avoid inadvertent damage. To connect or remove the Rosenberger cable, use the
proper connector removal tool.
The Rosenberger connector on the BERTPXIe front panel allows only a limited number of
matings. Therefore, avoid frequent connections/disconnections.
Although all connectors eventually wear, with knowledge, care, and proper technique, you can
maximize the accuracy, repeatability, and lifetime of coaxial connectors. The most common
cause of measurement error is bad connections caused by malfunctioning connectors.
IMPORTANT
•If you use a pattern generation or error detection channel as
single-ended output or input, terminate the other end with a 50
ohm terminator.
•To avoid waveform distortion and therefore ensure module
performance, terminate the RF ports of all unused channels with
50 ohm terminators.
Cable selection
When you measure differential signals or use the pattern generator to drive a differential
circuit, you must consider matching the phase of the cables being used. Ideally, the cables
used to attach the DUT need to have the same time difference, which is similar to having the
same length.
For slow signals with large bit periods, a cable mismatch such as 5 ps has little impact on the
results. However, for fast signals with small bit periods, the impact is significant. For example,
for a data rate of 14.5 Gb/s that has the bit period of 70 ps, a cable mismatch of 5 ps may
lead to a significant error.

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4.3.1 Use a torque wrench
To use a torque wrench correctly, take the following steps:
1. Make sure the torque wrench is set to the correct torque setting based on the table
below:
2. Position the torque wrench, and a second wrench to hold the device or cable, within 90°
of each other before applying force. Support the devices to avoid putting stress on the
connectors.
Proper torque on the connector can help avoid damage due to over-tightening and
improve measurement repeatability and extends connector life. Repeatable
measurements require consistent torque on all the connections in a setup.
3. Hold the torque wrench lightly at the end of the handle then apply force perpendicular
to the torque wrench handle.
4. Tighten until the “break” point of the torque wrench is reached. Do not push beyond the
initial break point.

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4.3.2 Make a connection
Take the following steps to make a connection:
1. Wear a grounded wrist strap.
2. Inspect, clean, and gauge connectors. All connectors must be undamaged, clean, and
within mechanical specification.
3. For long coaxial cables, briefly short the centre conductor to the outer ground.
Long lengths of coaxial cable that have been disconnected at both ends can contain
significant electrical charges at voltage potentials high enough to cause conducted-
static charge damage to high speed instruments.
4. Carefully align the center axis of both devices. Push the connectors straight together
so they can engage smoothly. The male center conductor pin must slip concentrically
into the contact finger of the female connector, as illustrated below:
CAUTION
Rotate only the connector nut —NOT the device or connector body —until
finger-tight, without crossing the threads. Damage to both connectors
occur if the male center pin rotates in the female contact fingers.
4.3.3 Separate a connection
Take the following steps to separate a connection:
1. Support the devices to avoid any twisting, rocking, or bending force on either
connector.
2. Use an open-end wrench to prevent the device body from turning.
3. Use another open-end wrench to loosen the connector nut.
4. Complete the disconnection by hand, turning only the connector nut.
5. Pull the connectors straight apart.

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5Installing/removing the BERTPXIe module
This chapter provides instructions on installing the BERTPXIe module on a chassis or
removing it from a chassis.
Installing the BERTPXIe module
Step 1:
Power OFF the chassis.
Step 2:
Remove the module from
the antistatic bag. Retain
the bag.

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Step 3:
Align the module with slot
guide rails.
Step 4:
Push the module into slot
until resistance is felt
from the backplane
connection.
Step 5:
Engage the fastening clip.
Secure all fastening
screws.

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Step 6:
Power ON the chassis.
Removing the BERTPXIe module
Step 1:
Power OFF the chassis.
IMPORTANT
After powering on the PXIe chassis, wait at least 2 minutes before
attempting to communicate with the instrument. This allows the
chassis enough time to finish its boot procedures and initialize the
communication server.
This manual suits for next models
1
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