Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Data SheetSHF 616 C128 GBaud
PAM4 Multiplexer

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 1

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AGDescription
The SHF 616 C is a PAM4 Multiplexer operating at PAM4 baud rates up to 128 GBaud (256 Gbps) for use inbroadband test setups and telecom transmission systems.
The SHF 616 C is driven by four single ended serial NRZ data streams. Each two of these signals are
multiplexed to two binary data streams of double the speed. These two high speed signals are internallycombined to one differential PAM4 signal. With a programmable SHF BPG (e.g. the SHF 12105 A) you havefull control of the patterns into the PAM4-MUX. The SHF Control Center (SCC) software package unifies theBPG to PAM4-MUX combination to virtually one 128 GBaud PAM4-Bit Pattern Generator. A typical setup is
shown in the figure 1 below.
A single ended clock signal with a frequency equivalent to the input data rate is required to drive the SHF
616 C. For data regeneration purposes all input data signals are re-sampled to mitigate any signal
impairments resulting e.g. from long cables. Therefore, it is possible to place the PAM4-MUX very close tothe DUT. Clock input port is AC-coupled. Data input and output ports are DC-coupled.

Features•Broadband operation up to 128 GBaud•

Differential data output, 0.8 V differential output swing (0.4 V in single-ended operation)•Single ended clock and data inputs•

Latched (re-timed and re-shaped) input ports•Output amplitude, output bandwidth & input threshold level control (remote by software)

Applications•

100G, 200G and 400G system evaluation & development•Broadband test and measurement equipment•PAM4 and Advanced Modulation Experiments

Available Option•

WF: 1.0 mm female connectors at the data output ports instead of 1.85 mm connectors

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 2

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Block Diagram
OutOutSHF
616 CUSB/LANA

2:1
Mux+B

Clk(MSB) (MSB)

2:1MuxAB(LSB) (LSB)

PowerSupply

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V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 3

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Ease of Use
Housed in a small benchtop case, this remote head can be easily embedded in the customer’s test
environment close to the DUT.

Fig. 1: Typical setup with SHF clock source, SHF BPG and the PAM4-MUX

The easy to use software package, SHF Control Center (SCC) is the most convenient way to control theMUX. The software reads the individual calibration tables of the multiplexers and sets the contribution of
the bias voltages accordingly. The rise and fall time (trim) and the symmetry of the output signal can be
adjusted and is displayed in the graphical user interface (GUI). The duty cycle (clock bias) of the multiplexer
stages as well as the input threshold level for the DC-coupled data inputs can be set. This enables the user
to generate a perfect signal just by a few intuitive clicks.

Fig. 3: SHF Control Center – GUI for the SHF 616 C
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V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 4

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Specifications
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter

Unit

SymbolData Input Voltage

mVClock Input Voltage

MinTypMax

CommentVdata in

900

Peak-to-PeakmVVclk in

900

Peak-to-Peak

External DC Voltage on
RF Clock Input Port

V

VDCin

-10+10AC coupled ports

External DC Voltage on
RF Data Input Ports

V

VDCin

-0.6+0.1

DC coupled inputs

DC Supply Voltage

VVcc

Parameter

Unit

SymbolMin. Input Data Rate

Gbps

Rin,minMax. Input Data Rate

GbpsRin,max

641

Data Input Voltage

mVVdata in

300

800

Eye amplitude

External DC Voltage on
RF Data Input Ports

VVDCin-0.50

DC coupled inputs

Min. Clock Input Frequency

GHzfin,min

Max. Clock Input Frequency

GHzfin,max

64

Clock Input Voltage

mVVclk in

300

800

Peak-to-Peak

External DC Voltage on
RF Clock Input PortV

VDCin

-9+9

AC coupled input

13Input Parameters
Min

TypMaxComment

1.5

1.5

1

The upper baud rate limit is defined by the absence of errors (BER < 10-12) of a NRZ output generated with the MSB + LSB bit synchronized. The PAM4MUX operates beyond this limit as shown in the typical eye diagrams on page 9

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V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 5

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Output Parameters
Parameter

Unit

SymbolMin. Output Data Rate

GBaudRout,minMax. Output Data Rate

GBaud

Rout,max

Output Voltage3mVVout

Rise / Fall Time

pstr / tf

Equivalent Output
BandwidthGHzBW

Differential Output Skew

pstskew

Unit

SymbolSupply Voltage

VVcc

Supply Current

APower Dissipation

MinTypMax

Comment

31282430

470≤ 100 GBaud

350

420

> 100 GBaud
Eye amplitude;
Single ended;
DC coupled;
Full scale;
Adjustable up to -6 dB537620%...80%;
Full scale;deconvolved4
Derived from Rise Timeusing formula5;-3 dB bandwidth

44
12Min

TypMaxComment+11.5+12+12.5

2.1 mm DC Power Jack

Icc

950

1050

W

Pd

11.4

12.6

@ VC = +12 V

Parameter

Unit

Symbol

TypMaxCommentDimensionsmm

Weightg

Power Requirements
Parameter

Mechanical Characteristics
MinSee Outline Drawing on pages 12-131700

ConditionsParameter

Unit

SymbolMin

Operating Temperature°C

Tambient

15TypMax

Comment35

2

The upper baud rate limit is defined by the absence of errors (BER < 10-12) of a NRZ output generated with the MSB + LSB bit synchronized. The PAM4MUX operates beyond this limit as shown in the typical eye diagrams below.
3During start up / shut down of the SHF 616 C and turning on / off the RF outputs, voltage spikes up to +0.7 V can occur at the data output ports

4 Calculation based on typical rise / fall times from oscilloscope data sheet and with a NRZ output generated by bit synchronization of the MSB + LSB

𝑡𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑑 = √(𝑡𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 )2 − (𝑡𝑟 𝑜𝑠𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑒 )2 = √(𝑡𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠. )2 − (3.68 𝑝𝑠)25 Calculation based on formula: 𝐵𝑊 = 0,22
𝑇𝑟

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 6

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Typical Output Eye Diagrams
PAM4 Output Signal Measurement
The measurements below had been performed using a SHF 12105 A Bit Pattern Generator (PRBS 2 31-1) anda Tektronix® DSA 8300 Digital Serial Analyzer (DSA) with Phase Reference Module (82A04B-60G) and 70 GHz
Sampling Module (80E11). The outputs of the PAM4 MUX module had been connected directly to the DSA
input.

®

Out @ 128 GBaud (Trim=100)

Out! @ 128 GBaud (Trim=100)

Out @ 100 GBaud (Trim=100)

Out! @ 100 GBaud (Trim=100)

Out @ 64 GBaud (Trim=25)

Out! @ 64 GBaud (Trim=25)

Fibre Channel is a registered trademark of the Fibre Channel Industry Association

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V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 7

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

NRZ Output Signal Measurement

MSB @ 128 Gbps (Trim=100)

MSB+LSB (bit aligned) @ 128 Gbps (Trim=100)

MSB @ 100 Gbps (Trim=100)

MSB+LSB (bit aligned) @ 100 Gbps (Trim=100)

MSB @ 64 Gbps (Trim=25)

MSB+LSB (bit aligned) @ 64 Gbps (Trim=25)

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 8

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AGOutput Amplitude Adjustment

100 GBaud @ 450 mV

100 GBaud @ 350 mV

100 GBaud @ 250 mV

100 GBaud @ 150 mVSHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 9

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

PAM4 signal oscilloscope comparison
The measurements below had been performed using a SHF 12105 A Bit Pattern Generator (PRBS 2 20-1), a
Tektronix DSA 8300 Digital Serial Analyzer (DSA) with Phase Reference Module (82A04B-60G) and 70 GHz
Sampling Module (80E11) and a Keysight DCA N1000A with Precision Timebase and 122 GHz Sampling
Module (N1046A). The outputs of the module had been connected directly to the DSA/DCA input.
Measurements with the Keysight DCA will not be part of the inspection report delivered with eachparticular device.
Tektronix DSA / BW = 70 GHz
Keysight DCA / BW = 122 GHz
80 mV/div

100 mV/div

2 ps/div

134 GBaud PAM4 measurement

100 mV/div

2 ps/div

134 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2 ps/div

134 GBaud PAM4 measurement+ Linear FFE (7-Tap with 2 pre cursors)

100 mV/div

80 mV/div

2 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement

100 mV/div

2 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement+ Linear FFE (7-Tap with 2 pre cursors)
100 mV/div

100 mV/div

80 mV/div

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement+ Linear FFE (7-Tap with 2 pre cursors)

80 mV/div

100 mV/div

100 mV/div

4.0 ps/div

4.0 ps/div

4.0 ps/div

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V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 10

Data Sheet SHF 616 CSHF Communication Technologies AG

PAM4 signals with recommended output amplifier
The measurements below had been performed using a SHF 12105 A Bit Pattern Generator(PRBS 213-1), a Keysight DCA N1000A with Precision Timebase and 122 GHz Sampling Module (N1046A). Theoutputs of the PAM4 MUX module had been connected directly to the amplifier input. The output of theamplifier had been connected with a 20 dB attenuator (SHF ATT110 A) to the DCA input.

Output SHF 616 C -WF

Output SHF M827 B –WMWM

100 mV/div

450 mV/div

450 mV/divmV/div

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.5 ps/div

100 GBaud PAM4 measurement+ Linear FFE (8-Tap with 2 pre cursors)

100 mV/div

450 mV/div

450 mV/div

mV/div

2.0 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.0 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement

2.0 ps/div

128 GBaud PAM4 measurement+ Linear FFE (8-Tap with 2 pre cursors)

For more information about SHFs amplifiers, please refer to:https://www.shf-communication.com/products/rf-broadband-amplifiers/

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 11

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Mechanical Drawing – SHF 616 C

SHF 616 C

PAM4 Multiplexer

PowerOutputs

OnOff

58.9Error

OutOut0.6 Vpp Max

0.6 Vpp Max

50  / 1.85 mm Female

221.4

141.4
126.4
96.4
81.4
36.6

7.2

51.4
34.5

6 54 38.9

1777185.295.2

236.5

ebcadEthernet

Service50  / 1.85 mm Female

12 V / 2A-1.0 V < Vin < +0.4 V

0.9 Vpp Max

USBA LSB

B LSB

ClkConnector
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female

B MSB

Designation
OutputOutput
A MSB
B MSB
A LSB
B LSB
Clock Input

A MSB

Pos.
1234567Pos.
abcde

Designation
USB
GND
Ethernet
Power Supply
Serviceall dimensions in mm

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 12

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

Mechanical Drawing – SHF 616 C with Option WF
SHF 616 C

PAM4 Multiplexer

PowerOutputs

OnOff58.9Error

OutOut0.6 Vpp Max0.6 Vpp Max

50  / 1.85 mm Female

221.4

141.4
126.4
96.4
81.4
36.6

7.2

51.5
34.5

6 54 38.8

177

7

185.2
95.2236.5

ebcad
Ethernet

Service50  / 1.85 mm Female

12 V / 2A-1.0 V < Vin < +0.4 V

0.9 Vpp Max

USB
A LSB

B LSB

ClkConnector
1.00mm Female
1.00mm Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female
1.85mm (V) Female

B MSB

Designation
OutputOutput
A MSB
B MSB
A LSB
B LSB
Clock Input

A MSB

Pos.
1234567Pos.
abcde

Designation
USBGND
Ethernet
Power Supply
Serviceall dimensions in mm

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 13

Data Sheet SHF 616 C
SHF Communication Technologies AG

SHF Communication Technologies AG
Wilhelm-von-Siemens-Str. 23 D | 12277 Berlin | Germany+49 30 772 051 0sales@shf-communication.com
www.shf-communication.com

SHF reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice
V004 - Nov. 15, 2023 - Page 14