LeCroy Corporation, a leading supplier of oscilloscopes, serial data test solutions and network analyzers, announced the availability of 8 and 12-port models of the SPARQ series of signal integrity network analyzers. The SPARQ makes S-parameter measurements quickly and is a fraction of the price of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). With the 8 and 12-port SPARQ models, signal integrity engineers finally have the product they need to characterize crosstalk in multi-lane differential structures.
Crosstalk Challenges in Multi-Lane
Serial Data Systems Require 12-port S-parameters
Cloud computing, mobile computing,
smartphones and streaming video applications are pushing the marketplace to
deliver greater and greater network bandwidth. To meet this need, both today
and tomorrow's communication standards utilize multi-lane differential
signaling to carry traffic at ever-increasing bitrates. Multi-lane differential
signaling has become pervasive, and is used in standards such as PCIe Gen3,
Serial Rapid IO, InfiniBand, and 40/100 GBASE Ethernet. More than ever, signal
integrity issues due to crosstalk and channel effects such as intersymbol
interference lead to closed eyes and jitter. Signal integrity engineers find
that they must attempt to both predict and understand these issues when
designing multi-lane differential circuits and interconnects to avoid design
modifications and costly re-spins.
When using a network analyzer with only
4 ports, signal integrity engineers can measure the S-parameters of only a
single differential lane. While useful, these measurements only provide a
partial understanding of circuit behavior, and do not characterize the
crosstalk between lanes. With the SPARQ-3012E, users can measure the complete
12-port S-parameter matrix in both single-ended and mixed-mode representations,
at the click of a button. The resulting S-parameters characterize the near-end
(NEXT) and far-end (FEXT) crosstalk between up to three differential lanes, and
which can then be used in aggressor-victim-aggressor modeling in order both to
predict circuit performance and to study transmitter and receiver equalization
schemes that may be required to open closed eyes. The new SPARQ models are
rated to 30GHz end frequency, and can return S-parameter results out to 40 GHz.
This makes the SPARQ suitable for crosstalk measurements on a wide variety of
commonly deployed high speed multi-lane serial data standards.
SPARQ: S-parameters Quick
The 8 and 12-port SPARQ units are
extensions to the SPARQ series of Signal Integrity Network Analyzers launched
in September, 2010. SPARQ is designed specifically for signal integrity
applications, and uses state-of-the-art TDR/TDT techniques to measure the
S-parameters of passive devices. SPARQ users connect the SPARQ to their DUT and
to their PC, which runs the SPARQ application. After configuring the
measurement by setting the number of ports, points and end frequency, the
measurement is started by simply clicking "Go". The SPARQ
automatically calibrates in only about 1 minute using the built-in OSLT
calibration kit, and then measures the DUT without any need to
disconnect/reconnect between the calibration and DUT measurement steps. By
performing the calibration automatically, users avoid the tedious and
error-prone steps involved with calibrating a VNA. With a 12-port SPARQ, a
complete measurement, including calibration, can be made in about 30 minutes.
"Preview mode" 12-port results can be obtained in less than 10
minutes. Results can be saved to a standard Touchstone 1.0 file, which can be
imported into other simulators or instruments like LeCroy oscilloscopes, such
as WaveMaster and LabMaster oscilloscopes with bandwidths up to 60 GHz with up
to 20 input channels. Users can emulate channel effects or de-embed structures
using measured or modeled S-parameters, and measure eye diagrams, jitter and
crosstalk on multiple serial data lanes.
SPARQ – Simplicity in Design
SPARQ analyzers are designed to be easy
to purchase and easy to use. They are small, rugged and portable, and designed
to be used by any engineer; SPARQ users do not require the high level of
expertise needed to calibrate and use a VNA. All required items to use a SPARQ
are standard with the unit, including 40 GHz high phase-stable cables. This is
in contrast to the VNA; a 12-port VNA is typically a 2 or 4-port unit built-up
with additional test sets and interconnects, becoming a system with higher
complexity, cost, and upkeep. VNAs, especially 8- and 12-port versions, lack
the simplicity of the SPARQ design.
SPARQ Models and Prices
The new models, SPARQ-3012E (12-port,
$149,990 USD) and the SPARQ-3008E (8-port $99,990 USD) are available for sale,
allow six to eight weeks for delivery. Four-port and 2-port models are also
available. Models and prices are: SPARQ-4004E: 4-port, Internal Calibration,
$55,069 USD; SPARQ-4002E: 2-port, Internal Calibration, $41,299 USD;
SPARQ-4002M: 2-port, manual calibration, $27,529 USD.
About LeCroy
LeCroy Corporation is a worldwide
leader in serial data test solutions, creating advanced instruments that drive
product innovation by quickly measuring, analyzing, and verifying complex
electronic signals. The Company offers high-performance oscilloscopes, serial
data analyzers, and global communications protocol test solutions used by
design engineers in the computer and semiconductor, data storage device,
automotive and industrial, and military and aerospace markets. LeCroy's 48-year
heritage of technical innovation is the foundation for its recognized
leadership in ”WaveShape Analysis”- capturing, viewing, and measuring the
high-speed signals that drive today’s information and communications
technologies. LeCroy is headquartered in Chestnut Ridge, New York. Company
information is available at http://www.lecroy.com.