Cable modem software supports next-gen DOCSIS 3.1

Agilent has introduced the M9099 Waveform Creator 2.0 software that targets engineers working on the development of radars, satellite communications, military radios and cable TV who need specific waveform generators to test their developments. According to the company, the software is the first in the industry that supports the next generation of DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems.

Release 2.0 of Agilent's Waveform Creator software provides new waveform segment types that can be combined into multiple tracks be aggregated into one composite waveform. The software enables R&D and manufacturing test engineers to build or import a variety of signals, mix them together, and add IQ impairments and noise to simulate real-world environments. The complex composite waveforms are created using the software's drag-and-drop interface, very similar to today's popular audio and video editing tools, added Agilent.

Engineers can use the resulting waveforms with a variety of Agilent vector signal and arbitrary waveform generators including the M9381A PXIe VSG. The Waveform Creator 2.0 software release also supports the M8190A, M9330A/M9331A and 81180A/81180B arbitrary waveform generators. The software will support additional waveform types and instruments in the future.

The latest release includes a 89600 VSA software recording plug-in, the DOCSIS 3.1 modulation plug-in, AM/FM/PM modulation capability, a spectral display and output plug-ins for easy control of complex instrumentation.

The 89600 VSA software recording plug-in enables the capture of signals measured with 89600 VSA software and combines them with other custom waveform segments. This capability is ideal for capturing an unknown signal in a complex RF environment such as a large city. Engineers can playback the real-world signals at a later time and incorporate them into composite waveforms.

The DOCSIS 3.1 modulation plug-in claims to provide the simplest and most comprehensive waveform creation tool for upstream and downstream signals, in compliance with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem standards. 89600 VSA setup files can be created automatically to easily demodulate and analyse signals for DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem design and test.

- Christoph Hammerschmidt
  EE Times Europe