ITRI Collaborates with Anritsu on 400GE Testing Platform

Signal Quality Analyzers MP1800A Supports 56Gbaud PAM4/NRZ Test Signal Generation and Bit Error Rate Analysis Functions enabling 400GE Device/Module Verification

Luton, UK - 24 September, 2017 – Anritsu Corporation and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have announced a collaboration to build a high-speed test lab to provide a bit error rate test (BERT) system with symbol rate up to 56Gbaud PAM4 and 56Gb/s NRZ per channel.

The BERT system will incorporate wideband optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), high-precision pulse pattern generator (PPG) and high-sensitivity error detector (ED) modules for generating high quality PAM/NRZ test signal outputs with fast Tr/Tf, low jitter & noise, and high amplitude, and supporting high-sensitivity, real-time error detection and analysis functions. It will be used for high-speed laser transceiver modules and silicon photonics related components, to accurately measure their characteristics as well as transmission and reception capabilities.

With this BERT system implementation, ITRI is expected to become the leading test lab for testing 400GE & Silicon Photonics related applications in Asia, giving a further booster to Taiwan’s goal of becoming a R&D centre for high-speed photoelectric devices.

The system will use Anritsu’s Signal Quality Analyzer MP1800A, a plug-in module type BERT that can provide high quality bit error rate analysis function using built-in PPG and ED modules. Combining the MP1800A with variety of remote probe heads will allow the BERT to flexibly support both 28G/56G NRZ and 28G/56Gbaud PAM4 tests, and to output high-amplitude test signals of 4.4 Vp-p (differential, max.). The Optical Spectrum Analyzer MS9740A will also be used to provide high-quality analysis and signal detection for optoelectronic semiconductors and related passive components.

“With continued growth in network traffic driven by demanding of real-time audio and video, there is an urgent need for cloud data centres to support 400G Ethernet transmission, in response to explosive network data growth. ITRI will be dedicated to laser devices, photodiode and silicon photonic research and development, providing optical devices and transceiver technologies required by 400GE, thereby enhancing Taiwan’s industry capacity,” said ITRI.

“Anritsu is proud to partner with ITRI. Through this partnership, it validates the BER test capability of the Signal Quality Analyzer MP1800A, while recognising Anritsu’s long-term commitment to fiber communication and high-speed circuits achievement. Anritsu believes these capabilities will also help to provide the best test environment for ITRI,” added Ivan Chen, General Manager of Anritsu Taiwan.

About Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

Industrial Technology Research Institute (https://www.itri.org.tw/) is a nonprofit R&D organization engaging in applied research and technical services, aiming to innovate a better future. Founded in 1973, ITRI has been dedicated to helping industries stay competitive and sustainable. Over the years, ITRI has nurtured more than 260 companies. ITRI has played a vital role in Taiwan's economic growth as it shifted from a labor-intensive industry into a value-added, technology-driven one. Moving forward, the institute will continue serving as a pioneer for industries by strengthening its capabilities of multidisciplinary innovation and cooperation with international partners all over the world.