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Software simplifies Test Setup and Analysis of complex modulated optical Signals

16 October 2013 – Agilent introduced the next generation of optical modulation analysis software for its family of optical modulation analyzers. The new software makes it easy for photonic engineers to set up tests on their optical modulation analyzers, increasing test efficiency by cutting the number of steps in half. By automating the execution of tests, the software also minimizes testing errors.

Agilent optical modulation analyzers are designed to give photonic engineers insight into the real nature of signals and signal sources. Agilent’s new software provides the most comprehensive analysis of complex modulated optical signals, helping engineers analyze all facets of their signals to diagnose their toughest problems.

Once the domain of research labs, 100-G transmissions are now commonly used for long-haul transmission. Consequently, more photonic engineers have to deal daily with these fast signals, using optical modulation analyzers as routinely as other engineers use oscilloscopes. As a result, instrument vendors have had to make these advanced instruments easier to use.

 “Agilent was the first company to introduce integrated oscilloscope-based optical modulation analyzers, and it continues to innovate in this arena,” said Juergen Beck, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Digital Photonics Test Division. “The new version of our optical modulation analyzer software offers a smart way to set up the instrument and integrates the hardware control of Agilent’s optical modulation analyzer family.”

With this software, engineers can now set up their instruments by just entering a few parameters describing the optical input signal. Based on this information and the characteristics of the signal itself, the software determines the best settings and selects the most suitable algorithms to provide analysis results within seconds. With one more click, the status of the device under test is immediately presented, using EVM, BER or Q-factor as the indicator of quality. Additional predefined setups for 40 and 100 G further accelerate instrument setup.

Integrated hardware control offers new possibilities for setting up multiple analyzer configurations in one instrument and requires less interaction from the operator. New display options and measurements are also available and will be further extended in future releases.

The new software for Agilent N4392A and N4391A optical modulation analyzers will be available for download Dec. 15, along with a standalone software version for post-processing prerecorded raw data. All current customers using an Agilent N4392A, N4391A or standalone license will get a free upgrade to this new software.

www.agilent.com/find/OMA-SW/