We are proud to introduce the SHF 12106 A, an enhanced Bit Pattern Generator (BPG) that surpasses its predecessor, the SHF 12105 A, by offering
- Lower cost,
- Reduced weight,
- Compact size, and
- Synchronization of multiple units, allowing expansion beyond the previous eight-channel limit of the SHF 12105 A.
Remote-Head Concept
The new SHF 12106 A BPG can operate without extension heads providing independent but synchronized high-speed NRZ signals at best possible signal fidelity. In addition, the unit is specifically designed to drive our existing and upcoming remote heads.
SHF 12106 A with a Remote-Head
These remote heads are small user-replaceable extender units to transform the capabilities of the BPG. They are connected to the BPG via RF cables and can thus be placed very close to the device under test (even mounting on wafer probers is possible). By choosing the appropriate remote head, the SHF 12106 A can be adapted for various current and future applications. Available remote heads include:
- PAM4 up to 128 GBaud (256 Gbps),
- PAM8 up to 64 GBaud (192 Gbps),
- PAM4 up to 64 GBaud (128 Gbps),
- NRZ up to 128 Gbps,
- With more options forthcoming…
200 Gbps from a SHF 616 C PAM-MUX
120 Gbps from a “SHF C911 A | 67” DAC
120 Gbps from a SHF C603 B MUX
60 Gbps from a SHF 12106 A BPG
Clock-Less Pre-Emphasis
The SHF 12106 A itself is engineered to deliver signals with the highest purity, without any pre-compensation specific to the transmission channel. For such channel compensation, SHF remote heads are again the modules of choice to enhance the capabilities of the BPG and by such tailor the signal to the specific channel requirements.
A well-established method with the previous BPG unit involved using a DAC with a higher vertical resolution than needed for the signal payload. A similar approach would also be possible with the new SHF 12106 A. For instance, the SHF 12106 A, combined with our 4-Bit DAC SHF C911 A | 67, can produce a 64 GBaud PAM4 signal with pre-emphasis.
While this remains a viable option, SHF is also introducing a new “clock-less” method for channel compensation. This technique uses analog filters instead of individually weighted bits for pre-emphasis. The frequency response of these FIR filters can be automatically adjusted for optimum channel compensation.
The clock-less pre-emphasis concept was initially introduced with the SHF C681 A and SHF C683 A filter modules. With the SHF 12106 A, SHF is going to significantly expand its filter portfolio, even to speeds beyond the 100 GBaud (200 Gbps) limit. Integrated filters within the remote heads will be available soon.
More Information
The SHF 12106 A datasheet will be available shortly. Meanwhile, you can find more information on our dedicated SHF 12106 A product page.
