Containing the same DSPs as the modules they emulate, MultiLane Active Loopbacks (ALBs) are designed to characterize host ports where traditional passive loopbacks do not suffice. DSP-based ALB modules contain powerful retimers which help close link paths for high-loss host channels.
The comprehensive diagnostic capabilities innate in all DSPs enable ALBs to function as full BERTs within a host port – allowing for precise equalization tuning and link monitoring. This BERT GUI – ThunderBERT for MultiLane ALBs – is accessed via a USB port on the module nose opening up real time BER, SNR, and equalization measurements directly within a high-speed port.
