Soft Decision Analyzer

The Soft Decision Analyzers (SDA) closed-loop data detection allows it to measure real-time correlation observations with frame, codeword, and packet losses, as well as quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) events. The SDA incorporates two techniques for identifying bit slips. The first is an examination of the received data stream's relation to the transmitted data content. The second is a direct examination of the receiver's recovered clock signals relative to a reference. Using these two techniques allow for a better understanding of receiver performance in this regard. The SDA detects receiver bit slips within a +/- 4-bit window and offers continuous four-quadrant tracking for multiple modulation schemes and signal-to-noise ratio measurements using techniques that work even in the presence of symbol-clipping. It continuously monitors correlation results to characterize slips and quadrant change and is capable of performing analysis even when the receiver being tested is subjected to high error-rate conditions (30 percent or beyond). The SDA also incorporates a watchdog trigger that permits the system to automatically recover from large receiver upsets while continuing its performance analysis.