Keysight Unveils Optical Reference Transmitter to Validate Next-Generation Data Transmission

Rhea-AI Summary

Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) has launched the N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter, a important tool for testing 200G-per-lane optical receivers and researching 400G-per-lane transmission. This advanced solution addresses the increasing demand for higher data rates in data centers driven by AI/ML adoption. Key features include:

- Generates clean and stressed signals up to 120 GBd per lane
- Supports IM/DD signals (NRZ, PAM4, PAM6, PAM8)
- Flexible optical input options
- Core component of Keysight's N4917DJCA Optical Receiver Stress Test solution
- Supports various wavelength grids (LR4, ER4, CWDM4)

The transmitter enables compliance testing with the upcoming IEEE 802.3dj standard and offers versatility for high-speed optical communications testing.

Positive

• Launch of N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter for testing 200G-per-lane optical receivers
• Capability to generate signals up to 120 GBd per lane, supporting compliance testing for IEEE 802.3dj standard
• Versatile modulation support including NRZ, PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 waveforms
• Flexible optical input options with built-in DFB laser and compatibility with tunable lasers
• Core component of Keysight's N4917DJCA Optical Receiver Stress Test solution
• Support for various wavelength grids (LR4, ER4, CWDM4) enhancing versatility

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Keysight's launch of the N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for high-speed data transmission. The surge in AI/ML adoption is driving the need for increased data center throughput, creating a significant market opportunity. While specific financial figures aren't provided, this product positions Keysight to capture market share in the evolving 200G and 400G-per-lane optical testing segment. The versatility of the transmitter, supporting various modulation formats and wavelengths, could lead to broader market penetration and potentially higher revenue streams. Investors should monitor how this product contributes to Keysight's revenue growth in the coming quarters, particularly in its Communications Solutions Group segment.

Tech Expert

The N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter represents a significant technological advancement in optical testing. Its ability to generate both clean and stressed signals up to 120 GBd per lane is important for validating next-gen optical receivers. The support for various modulation formats (NRZ, PAM4, PAM6, PAM8) demonstrates forward-thinking design, anticipating future industry needs. The transmitter's low Vpi design, eliminating the need for an RF amplifier in many applications, is a notable innovation that reduces jitter and noise. This, coupled with the automated bias control working without dithering, ensures signal integrity - a critical factor in high-speed optical communications. The product's compatibility with Keysight's existing ecosystem (M8050A BERT, M8199B AWG) enhances its value proposition, offering a comprehensive testing solution for the rapidly evolving optical communications industry.

Market Research Analyst

Keysight's timing with the N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter launch is strategically sound. The product addresses a critical market need driven by the AI/ML boom and increasing data center demands. By enabling testing for emerging standards like IEEE 802.3dj, Keysight is positioning itself as a key enabler in the transition to higher data rates. The product's versatility, supporting various wavelength grids (LR4, ER4, CWDM4), expands its potential market reach. However, the true market impact will depend on adoption rates and how quickly the industry moves towards 200G and 400G-per-lane transmissions. Keysight's ability to iterate quickly, as evidenced by plans for future configurations, suggests they're prepared to adapt to market demands. This launch could strengthen Keysight's position in the optical testing market, potentially leading to increased market share in the communications test equipment segment.

• New Optical Reference Transmitter enables testing of 200G-per-lane optical receivers and research into 400G-per-lane transmission

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) today announced the launch of its N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter. This advanced solution is a critical tool for testing optical receivers engineered for 200G-per-lane transmission.

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) across various industries has greatly increased pressure on data center throughput. As the demand for higher data rates continues to surge, manufacturers of optical transceivers and optical interconnect solutions face increasing pressure to comply with emerging standards such as IEEE 802.3dj. The Optical Reference Transmitter arrives at a critical juncture, offering a solution for compliance validation and interoperability assurance at data rates exceeding 200Gbit/s per lane.

The new reference transmitter boasts several features designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Driven by the M8050 series bit error ratio tester (BERT), it can generate both clean and stressed signals for testing optical receiver designs up to 120 GBd per lane, providing crucial support for compliance testing with the upcoming IEEE 802.3dj standard. The transmitter is versatile, capable of generating intensity modulated/direct detected (IM/DD) signals including NRZ, PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 waveforms, enabling research for transmission into 400Gbit/s per lane when paired with the Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG).

Its modulator design works with common drive signals and incorporates automated bias control, simplifying operation and ensuring consistent performance. Furthermore, the new solution offers flexible optical input options, including a built-in DFB laser and compatibility with tunable lasers, making it adaptable to a wide range of testing scenarios and wavelength requirements.

The Optical Reference Transmitter is a core component of Keysight's turnkey N4917DJCA Optical Receiver Stress Test solution where it works in tandem with the M8050A Bit Error Ratio Tester. Instead of relying on in-house transmitters with a given signal quality, it allows customers to emulate a 120 GBd optical transmitter. This enables them to validate their optical receivers under variable conditions, including optical extinction ratio, TDECQ, and stress factors like noise, jitter, and interference. Additionally, this product supports various wavelength grids, including LR4, ER4, and CWDM4, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications in the rapidly evolving field of high-speed optical communications.

Armin Loeffler, Director of Broadband & Photonics Business Segment, Keysight, said: "The new solution marks a major advancement in optical testing technology. With its low Vpi, the Optical Reference Transmitter eliminates the need for an RF amplifier in many applications, thereby reducing jitter and noise. Additionally, our automated bias control works without dithering at the quadrature point to ensure no unwanted spectral components are introduced into the signal."

The Optical Reference Transmitter is available now. The first iteration is equipped with 1310 nm DFB laser and operates in the O-band, more configurations will be released later.

Resources

• Product Page: Optical Reference Transmitter
• Product page: Keysight electro-optical converters

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918057754/en/

Keysight Media Contacts

North America PR Team

pdl-americas-keysight-pr@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi

Asia

+81 42 660-2162

fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Jenny Gallacher

Europe

+44 (0) 7800 737 982

jenny.gallacher@keysight.com

Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the main purpose of Keysight's new N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter?

The N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter is designed for testing 200G-per-lane optical receivers and researching 400G-per-lane transmission, addressing the increasing demand for higher data rates in data centers driven by AI/ML adoption.

What modulation formats does the Keysight N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter support?

The N7718C supports intensity modulated/direct detected (IM/DD) signals including NRZ, PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 waveforms, enabling versatile testing and research capabilities.

How does the Keysight N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter (KEYS) support compliance testing?

The N7718C can generate both clean and stressed signals for testing optical receiver designs up to 120 GBd per lane, providing important support for compliance testing with the upcoming IEEE 802.3dj standard.

What wavelength options are available for the Keysight N7718C Optical Reference Transmitter?

The first iteration of the N7718C is equipped with a 1310 nm DFB laser and operates in the O-band. It also supports various wavelength grids, including LR4, ER4, and CWDM4, with more configurations planned for future release.