The HP 86493A is a single-mode optical clock recovery module designed for seamless integration with HP/Agilent Infiniium oscilloscopes and DCA-J series bit-error-rate test (BERT) systems.

It accepts a 2.5 Gb/s, non-return-to-zero (NRZ) optical data stream over single-mode fiber (typically at 1310 nm) and uses a phase-locked loop (PLL) to regenerate a clean electrical clock.

A built-in automatic gain control (AGC) and amplitude-stabilized optical preamplifier ensure reliable performance across a wide input power range, while the recovered clock is output as a low-jitter, CMOS-level signal via a 50 Ω SMA connector.

The module is fully calibrated at the factory and typically delivers sub-1 ps RMS jitter on the recovered clock, making it ideal for precision timing applications.

Key Specifications

Module Functionality

• Recovers timing information from an incoming optical NRZ data stream using a high-stability PLL.
• Provides a low-jitter electrical clock reference synchronized to the data transitions, essential for accurate timing and jitter analysis.
• Incorporates AGC to maintain consistent performance over fluctuating optical power levels.
• Interfaces directly with high-speed oscilloscopes and BERT systems, eliminating the need for external clock sources or manual alignment.

Applications and Use Cases

• Optical Communications Development
  Engineers designing 2.5 Gb/s transmitters and receivers use the 86493A to validate clock recovery circuits and ensure compliance with SONET/SDH or Fibre Channel timing specifications.

• Jitter and Eye-Diagram Analysis
  Test labs employ the module to generate a reference clock for eye-diagram triggering and high-resolution jitter decomposition on Infiniium oscilloscopes.

• Transponder and Transceiver Testing
  Manufacturers verify performance of optical SFP/GBIC modules by feeding real-world data patterns through the recovery module, then measuring bit-error rates and timing stability.

• Research and Education
  University labs and R&D centers leverage the HP 86493A to demonstrate clock recovery principles in advanced optics and photonics courses.

Potential Requirements for the HP 86493A

• You require an ultra-low-jitter clock locked to your 2.5 Gb/s optical data for precise measurements.
• You want to streamline your optical test setup by embedding clock recovery directly into your oscilloscope or BERT system.
• You’re troubleshooting timing issues in high-speed fiber-optic links and need a robust, factory-calibrated recovery solution.
• You’re participating in compliance testing for telecom standards and must meet stringent clock stability criteria.