LeCroy, Modular Multichannel Oscilloscope System Providing 20 Channels and 45GHz Bandwidth
LabMaster 9 Zi-A Announcement

High-performance modular oscilloscope system provides 45 GHz, 120 GS/s, 20 channels, and 768 Mpts memory.

LeCroy (Country Manager Lee Woon-jae, www.lecroy.co.kr ) has introduced the LabMaster 9 Zi-A series, the world's first multi-channel oscilloscope system to achieve a maximum bandwidth of 45 GHz across 20 channels. As the highest-spec modular system in LeCroy's oscilloscope product line, the company announced plans to develop ultra-high-bandwidth oscilloscopes based on the LabMaster 9 Zi-A family in the future. Along with the fastest 45 GHz band and an unprecedented 20 channels, the LabMaster 9 Zi-A offers a sample rate of 120 GS/s and 768 Mpts of memory. Furthermore, it provides various options across 1 to 20 channels and bandwidth ranges from 13 to 45 GHz, allowing users to flexibly configure the system to suit their needs.

The LabMaster 9 Zi-A system architecture separates the oscilloscope's signal capture function from its display, control, and processing functions, consisting of a primary capture module called the "Master" and an optional capture module called the "Slave." The LabMaster Master (main oscilloscope) capture module is a unit that integrates the display, control, and single capture modules into a single unit. The Slave capture module is used in addition to the primary module (Master). Equipped with a powerful built-in server-based CPU, the LabMaster supports the processing of vast amounts of data. Through LeCroy's proprietary ChannelSync technology, connecting the LabMaster 'Master' and 'Slave' modules synchronizes them into a single system, enabling the use of a high-performance multi-channel oscilloscope unlike anything experienced before.

The LabMaster 9Zi-A was specifically developed to allow for easy upgrades in bandwidth and channel count. Even if initially purchased with low bandwidth and few channels, the number of channels and bandwidth can be expanded by adding capture modules as needed in the future. Bandwidth can be configured in various ways within a single system as required. By expanding bandwidth and channel count by adding LabMaster 9Zi-A capture modules to an existing system, one can address the challenges of next-generation ultra-high-speed technology.

The LabMaster 9Zi-A is suitable for the development of enhanced high-speed data transmission and communication, such as 28-32 Gb/s SERDES, multi-lane serial data (40/100 GbE, PCIe Gen3), and coherent modulation optical communication, through state-of-the-art technology. These high-speed technologies are essential for handling the increasing volume of network traffic in the cloud computing, portable computer, and streaming video markets. The LabMaster 9Zi-A is ideal for applications in the defense and aerospace industries that require both multiple channels and high bandwidth.

Meanwhile, LeCroy announced plans to develop additional modules for the LabMaster 9Zi-A, which offers the world's highest bandwidth and channel capacity, and to release them by the end of 2011.

A modular, upgradeable system offering infinite flexibility

The LeCroy LabMaster 9Zi-A modular oscilloscope system consists of “master” and “slave” capture modules and a CPU (standard on the master). Each master and slave can be selected from 13, 16, 20, 30, and 45 GHz bandwidths, with up to 256 Mpts of memory available at 20 GHz, 512 Mpts at 30 GHz, and 768 Mpts at 45 GHz. Up to four slaves can be added to a single master, and 20 GHz is available for 20 channels, 30 GHz for 10 channels, and 45 GHz for 5 channels. Slave capture modules are offered at exceptional prices to reduce costs associated with increasing channels. Adding oscilloscope channels has now become a more economical method than purchasing expensive probes. By connecting cables directly to the oscilloscope instead of using differential probes or amplifiers, signal noise can be reduced by more than 3 dB. Users can verify signal quality with greater confidence through a complete measurement system.

The 45 GHz and 30 GHz high-bandwidth modules support all the bandwidth, sample rates, and memory capabilities of the low-bandwidth modules. Therefore, specifications can be flexibly customized according to user needs, such as performing jitter analysis on low-signal signals at very high bandwidths or verifying distortion in serial data signals across multiple lanes at low bandwidths. Equipped with a server-grade CPU based on the Intel Xeon™ X5660 processor (supporting a total clock speed of 33.6 GHz with 6 cores per processor and 2 processors per CPU), it guarantees even more powerful hardware performance and speed. The combination of this high-performance CPU and LeCroy's proprietary X-Stream II streaming architecture powers the LabMaster 9Zi-A to rapidly capture and measure vast amounts of data. A single oscilloscope package is completed with a simple system connection method, allowing for immediate use like a conventional oscilloscope without limitations on input channels or bandwidth. All waveform information can be observed on the built-in 15.3" screen, an optional display, or a user-preferred display (up to 2560 x 1600 resolution). The LabMaster system design demonstrates a level of sophistication and perfect integration unmatched by any other lab equipment.

Accurate synchronization with Channel Sync architecture

The LabMaster 9Zi-A's ChannelSync is a synchronization feature that integrates 20 different channels into a single oscilloscope system. A single 10 GHz distributed clock signal is generated and applied to the master capture module, which is simultaneously used by up to four slave capture modules. Since the 10 GHz clock frequency is 1,000 times faster than the 10 MHz reference clock typically used for synchronizing lab equipment, it enables more accurate timebases and precise synchronization across all connected capture modules. As a result, it achieves a very low jitter value of 275 fs rms across all channels. Slave modules are automatically recognized and connected by the master, and the software automatically corrects signal distortion occurring in all capture modules. Users can utilize up to 20 oscilloscope channels as if they were a single oscilloscope system.

Verified capture module

The LabMaster 9Zi-A was developed based on the WaveMaster 8Zi-A, which provides outstanding measurement and analysis. Based on high-performance DBI (Digital Bandwidth Interleaving) technology implemented through proven SiGe devices, this system guarantees upgrade paths and high bandwidth performance not provided by any other oscilloscope. It delivers distortion-free, accurate signal capture along with extremely fast rise times and step response speeds, as well as low total and random jitter noise floors. It displays signals without noise by supporting high ENOB (Effective Number of Bits) across the entire operating frequency range, not just the core intermediate frequency band. Most software and hardware options of the WaveMaster 8Zi-A are available on the LabMaster 9Zi-A.