Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S DSA DOCSIS signal analyzer to enable realtime analysis of signals transmitted in line with the high-speed DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 standards. Cable TV network operators can use the compact instrument to test whether their network and network components comply with DOCSIS requirements. The convenient, easy-to-use R&S DSA features outstanding RF characteristics. Thanks to its low inherent error, it is ideal for measuring the modulation error ratio (MER). The R&S DSA was showcased for the first time at Cable Tec Expo in Denver from October 18 to 20, 2017.
To maximize and maintain a high data throughput when surfing and consuming multimedia content, the DOCSIS 3.1 data over cable system interface specification was developed as a successor to DOCSIS 3.0. The new standard uses channels with a bandwidth of up to 192 MHz and OFDM coding, which provides a high data throughput in the direction of the cable modem. To remain competitive, cable TV network operators must integrate this standard and ensure that both existing television channels and DOCSIS data streams are transmitted reliably.
The R&S DSA can be used to install, maintain and service cable modem termination systems (CMTS) at cable headends. It is also ideal for troubleshooting complex headend problems as well as problems with cable network components that occur in the field. The R&S DSA is the only DOCSIS analyzer that can be used without restrictions both in the field and at the cable headend. It analyzes in the downstream and upstream (upstream in preparation) up to MER of more than 50 dB. It measures without using cable modem chipsets, which typically deliver considerably poorer MER values. With its exceptionally low inherent error, it offers the best MER performance of all realtime DOCSIS analyzers on the market.
To ensure interference-free coexistence of DOCSIS 3.0/3.1 and digital TV channels in cable TV networks, the R&S DSA can optionally analyze J.83/A/B and DVB-C digital TV signals. Here again users will appreciate the advantages of realtime signal processing, such as gapless fault analysis, quick result presentation and signal demodulation.
The large touchscreen makes the R&S DSA easy to use. Thanks to its flexible software option concept, the analyzer offers investment protectionand can be adapted to new requirements at any time. The new R&S DSA DOCSIS signal analyzer is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. Click here for more information.
