Several industry groups and standards bodies are using, or actively considering using, PAM-4 technology to jump to the next-generation speed class and enable higher data rates for a given channel bandwidth compared to traditional non-return-to-zero (NRZ) signaling. While PAM-4 technology adapts some traditional NRZ measurement algorithms for PAM-4 signals, to fully analyze system performance, unique PAM-4 measurements and parameters are also required.

"The switch from NRZ to PAM-4 signaling presents many new design and measurement challenges for our customers," said Dave Cipriani, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Oscilloscope and Protocol Division.

"Keysight's analysis software helps engineers address these challenges and quickly get their designs to market."

Multilevel signaling systems are particularly susceptible to noise, so the 86100D's low-noise, wide-bandwidth plug-in modules are particularly well suited for characterizing PAM signals. 86100D Option 9FP PAM-N analysis capabilities are supported by all 86100D DCA-X plug-in modules, such as the 86108B precision waveform analyzer module for accurate analysis of electrical signals to 32 Gbaud or the 86105D-281 for accurate analysis of high-speed optical signals.

Additionally, engineers can perform offline analysis on saved or simulated PAM signals using N1010A Option 9TP PAM analysis software installed on a PC.