As the demand for IoT-based applications, HD streaming, cloud services, and 5G continues to grow, the need for higher data transfer rates and more efficient testing solutions in the optical domain is steadily increasing. 400G signaling with PAM4 is more complex than 100G with non-return-to-zero (NRZ) modulation and significantly increases the time required for design validation, debugging, and troubleshooting cycles.
Real-time oscilloscope-based optical measurement tools offer unique capabilities that address the measurement challenges of optical product design, including debugging and troubleshooting, typical of the R&D design phase. 
Keysight's N7005A, offering up to 60 GHz optical measurement (O/E) capabilities, is used in conjunction with the 70 GHz Infiniium UXR oscilloscope, providing designers with end-to-end debugging capabilities that reduce the time required while simplifying the overall workflow. It also allows engineers to take advantage of PAM4 optical measurements and in-depth analysis capabilities such as TDECQ (transmitter and dispersion eye closure quaternary) measurements, provided by the new FlexDCA software feature called FlexRT.
The Keysight N7005A enables low-noise optical measurements from PAM4 to 56 GBaud, empowering engineers to effectively debug optical devices using a comprehensive suite of debugging capabilities. Each N7005A O/E converter contains the frequency characterization data necessary for optimized filter correction. This data is used to fine-tune the frequency response for more accurate measurements.
“The new Keysight N7005A provides a high-bandwidth optical input solution for Infiniium UXR oscilloscopes while maintaining ultra-low noise levels to optimize signal integrity in optical measurements,” said Brad Doerr, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s Digital and Photonic Center of Excellence. “This is an important addition to Keysight’s portfolio of optical measurement solutions based on real-time and sampling oscilloscopes and will enable key capabilities in the measurement and debugging of emerging 400G/PAM4 signaling standards.”
