TA720 Time Interval Analyzers (DISCONTINUED)

A new, High-Speed, Multifunctional Addition to the TA Series

Continuous Measurement at up to 80 MS/s and Inter-Symbol Interference Analysis with Dual Measurement

The TA720 Time Interval Analyzer has larger memory capacity and is faster than the highly regarded TA520 and TA320. It has a maximum sampling rate of 80 MS/s, and maximum memory capacity of 1024 k samples (in Time stamp mode). In addition, the TA720 has a variety of completely new functions, such as a dual measurement function, inter-symbol interference analysis function, and an optional Ethernet and PC card interface. This time interval analyzer is the ideal analysis tool for jitter analysis of high-speed optical disk signals and recording characteristic evaluations.

• High-Speed Continuous Measurement at up to 80 MS/s
  The TA720 can continuously measure signals as fast as eight times DVD speed. It continuously measures high-speed signals from sources such as fast-rotating CDs and DVDs, and next-generation optical disks without dropping measurements. This makes accurate jitter analysis possible.

• Dual Measurement Function
  This function enables two measurements to be done simultaneously. The available measurement combinations are Period A & Period B, Period A & A-to-B time interval, Pulse A & Pulse B, and Pulse A & A-to-B time interval. During optical disk jitter measurement, for example, it is possible to perform two types of jitter measurements (data-data jitter and data-clock jitter).

• Inter-Symbol Interference Analysis Function
  With this function, it is possible to extract and analyze data corresponding to set code conditions (such as all T spaces between 3T marks). The distribution of the extracted data and related statistics can also be displayed and compared against all of the data at the same time. When combined with the dual measurement function, the inter-symbol interference analysis function enables even faster jitter analysis through techniques such as extracting data-clock data using pulse width as a condition.

• Ethernet and PC Card Interface (optional)
  Data transmitted to the TA720 through an Ethernet connection can be saved to the PC card or shared over a network. In addition, measurement conditions can be set and controls such as starting and stopping measurements can be entered over the network when an Ethernet connection is used.

Meeting the Needs of Developers in the Optical Disk Market

The TA720 has a variety of functions that are useful in optical disk jitter measurements. These functions can be combined for even greater efficiency in jitter measurements.

High-Speed (80 MS/s) Continuous Measurement

The TA720 contains multiple counter circuits with 25 ps resolution. When these circuits are switched at high speed, the TA720 is capable of time measurement at up to 80 MS/s (12.5 ns period; see below). For example, the TA720 can continuously measure 1-7 modulation signals without dropping data, if the minimum 2T pulse width is 12.5 ns or greater. (Note: This does not apply during dual measurement function)

Dual Measurement Function

Simultaneous Measurement of Data-Data Jitter and Data-Clock Jitter

The dual measurement function can be used to simultaneously measure an optical disk's data-data jitter and data-clock jitter. In the past, it was necessary to do these measurements separately, so there was a need for steps such as synchronization using an index signal from a spindle motor as a measurement-start control signal. With the TA720, however, these two measurements can be done simultaneously, so data-data jitter and data-clock jitter from the same measurement area are obtained at the same time.

Example of simultaneous measurement of pulse width and data-clock jitter.

Inter-Symbol Interference Analysis Function

This function extracts data corresponding to specified conditions, such as jitter for each space length immediately following a 3T mark, and jitter in each space length between one 3T mark and another. This data can be used to analyze the effects of the code on jitter. The inter-symbol interference analysis function is useful for evaluating recording strategies, such as recording power control and phase control, and recording waveforms. The distribution of the extracted data and related statistics can also be displayed and compared against all of the data at the same time. Code length settings that can be selected include arbitrary code length (nT), length shorter than a specified code length (NT>), and length longer than a specified code length (NT

Example of jitter measurement for each space length between 3T Marks

Examples of Pulse Width Data Extraction

Single	Combination	Between
Extract data immediately before or immediately after a specified code length.	Specify consecutive code and extract data immediately preceding or following them.	Specify codes preceding and following the data to be extracted.

Data-Clock Time Difference Jitter Analysis Based on Recording Length

Using the Dual Measurement Function and Inter-Symbol Interference Analysis Function in Combination

The inter-symbol interference analysis function can be used in combination with the dual measurement function (Pulse A & A-to-B time interval) to extract data-clock time difference data at each recording length (pulse width).

Examples of data-clock extraction in case of EFM+ data

Data-Clock Data Immediately Following 3T	Data-Clock Data Immediately Following 4-14T	Data-Clock Data Excluding 3T Marks and Spaces

Simultaneous Display of Pulse Width Bipolarity

The TA720 can simultaneously display histograms and statistics for both the positive and negative pulse widths. Numerical individual jitter values, distributions (difference between average value and ideal value for each pulse width), and the like can be checked while comparing the positive and negative histograms. In addition, it is possible to display bipolar histograms and statistics.

Multi-Window Function

This function allows you preset up to 14 windows for simultaneous analysis and display of histograms and statistics in those windows. During dual measurement function, data-data and data-clock histograms and statistics can be displayed at the same time. In cases where the CAV control is used and the data rate changes according to disk position, the auto-window function is useful for automatically adjusting the window setting. This function provides an Estimated T method, in which the clock period is estimated from the average data signal value; and a Measured T method, in which the clock period is measured from the CHB input signal. The clock period is measured to automatically adjust the window position.

Example of multi-window screen simultaneous display of data-data and data-clock histograms

Example of multi-window setting screen

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For measuring the data part or header part on an optical disk

The TA720 has the following functions for synchronization with the exterior:

• External Arming
• External Gate (connector shared with external arming)
• Inhibit

The inhibit and external arming functions can be used to separate the data part from the header part during jitter measurement. In addition, a block sampling function can be used to divide the internal memory into as many as 1000 blocks (250 blocks during time stamp mode) for data acquisition. In cases where the recording area is small, such as during media material evaluations, the block sampling function can be used to accumulate samples by performing multiple block measurements with a small amount of data in each measurement (block).

Example of Combined Use of External Arming and Block Sampling Functions

TA720 Screen Display for Various Types of Analysis

Histogram Display (Half Size) When the histogram is set to half size, the statistics display is enlarged.	List Display During the time stamp mode, the individual measurement values and the time elapsed from the start of measurement are displayed. The graph is displayed at the same time so detailed data can be checked while viewing the broader trend
Statistics Display During bipolar pulse width measurement, statistics for both positive and negative pulse widths are displayed at the same time.	Time Variation Display (Dual Measurement Example Shown) This display can be used to display and analyze trends in measurement values over time. During dual measurement, it is possible to separately display data trends for two measurement functions.
Symbol Search Function In time stamp mode or Inter-Symbol Interference analysis mode, as many as four consecutive symbols (recording length nT) can be specified to search for data matching the symbol conditions.	Jitter and Deviation Graph Display In this type of display, a histogram display is shown on top, and a jitter graph, deviation graph, or statistics list (selected by user) is displayed on the bottom. This type of display is useful for evaluating trends for each recording length nT on an optical disk.

Rear Panel

Ethernet and PC Card Interface (optional) GP-IB Interface (standard feature) Probe Power Jacks (2) 10 MHz Reference Clock I/O Monitor Output: CHA/CHB Gate Output (measurement period timing output) Supply Voltage: 100-200 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Ethernet and PC Card Interface (optional)

The Ethernet and PC card interface let you access the TA720 from a PC through a LAN in order to download data from the TA720's floppy drive or PC card. You can also transfer waveform data and screenshots from the TA720 to the PC for saving.

FTP Client Function

Save Data and Screenshots to a Network Drive

You can save, delete, and copy waveform data and settings on storage media such as the internal floppy drive or a hard drive located on a networked PC or workstation. These operations work the same way as when you handle data on the PC card. In addition, screenshot data can also be saved. The TA720's FTP client function can be used to save, delete, and copy waveform data and settings on PCs and workstations running the FTP server function.

FTP Server Function

Access a Drive on the TA720 from a PC to Download Files from the Internal Floppy Drive or PC Card

You can download files from the TA720's internal floppy drive or PC card to a networked PC or workstation. The TA720's FTP server function can be used by PCs and workstations running the FTP client function.

Setting TA720 Measurement Conditions and Controlling the Start of Measurement

A PC can be used to set measurement conditions on the TA720 and control when measurement starts and stops.

The TA720's Ethernet connector is a 10BASE-T connector. Connect it to your network through a hub or router as shown.