User guide

Error Accumulation
Error Accumulation - Concepts
The Serial BERT instantly starts measuring the BER when the error detector
receives data. However, to perform tests that can be repeated and compared, you
can collect the measurement data in several ways and save it to a log file.
The available options are to test:
• for a specified time,
• until a certain number of errors occurred,
• until a specified number of bits have been sent,
• until you stop it manually.
Error Accumulation - Procedures
To set up the Serial BERT for error accumulation:
1
Click the Accumulation Setup menu item from the ED Setup submenu
2
Select the desired Activation Mode for the type of test you want to run
(Manual, Single, or Repeat test).
3
If you selected a Single or Repeat test, you need to specify the accumulation
Period (Time, Number of Errors, or Number of Bits).
4
Use the Measurement Logs area to specify whether you want save the results
in a log file.
5
The log files will be saved in the Log Directory displayed at the bottom of the
dialog box. Use the Browse button to select a different directory.
6
Click OK to apply your selections and close the Accumulation Setup dialog box.
For more information on how to run error accumulation tests, see “How to Run
Accumulated Measurements” on page 377
5 Setting up the Error Detector
220 Agilent J-BERT N4903B High-Performance Serial BERT