Agilent/Keysight M8048A

The Keysight M8048A ISI Channels are differential trace assemblies that emulate channel loss in high-speed digital receiver test setups. Designed as an accessory to instruments such as the M8020A BERT, these boards enable accurate receiver characterization by simulating signal degradations encountered in real transmission environments. The M8048A comprises eight PC board traces constructed from Nelco FR4 material with known S21 parameters. Trace lengths range from 7.7 inches to 34.4 inches, with two configuration options: the M8048A-001 provides four short ISI channels (8 to 13 inches), while the M8048A-002 offers four long ISI channels (14 to 34 inches). Cascadable architecture allows emulation of a wide range of channel loss conditions with fine resolution steps, enabling repeatable and accurate S21 parameter characterization.

– Technical Specifications

• Data Rate Support: Up to 16 Gb/s
• Trace Lengths: Short channels 7.7″ to 12.8″ (196 mm to 324 mm); Long channels 14.4″ to 34.4″ (366 mm to 874 mm)
• Material: Nelco FR4 PC board with documented S21 parameters
• Channel Configuration: Differential channels
• Cascadability: Traces cascade to achieve variable channel loss emulation

– Key Features

• Emulates data-dependent intersymbol interference (ISI) jitter and bounded deterministic jitter from channel degradation
• Compact form factor enables placement in close proximity to the device under test
• Real FR4 material construction provides accurate passive channel loss simulation
• Fine-resolution cascading enables precise S21 parameter emulation across multiple standards

– Typical Applications

• SAS, USB3, UHS-II, Thunderbolt
• SATA, DisplayPort, PCI Express
• High-speed receiver compliance testing requiring deterministic channel loss

– Compatibility & Integration

The M8048A functions as a supplementary accessory to Keysight’s compliance channel solutions for SATA, DisplayPort, PCI Express, and HDMI standards. Integration with the M8020A BERT provides a complete platform for receiver characterization across multiple high-speed interface protocols.