Low-cost high-speed pseudo-random bit sequence characterization using nonuniform periodic sampling in the presence of noise

In this paper, we propose a wideband signal reconstruction scheme for testing high-speed pseudo random bit sequences (PRBSs) in the presence of jitter noise using incoherent sampling. The proposed approach exploits synchronous multirate sampling (SMRS) hardware and multicoset back-end signal processing algorithms. The SMRS hardware consists of multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) whose sampling frequencies are synchronized with a common frequency reference and can be individually configured. The optimal sampling frequency of each ADC is chosen based on the input signal information and sampling hardware specifications. As compared to other sampling hardware used for multicoset signal reconstruction, the proposed approach uses less number of ADCs and does not require accurate sampling clock phase adjustment. In the digital signal reconstruction, the input waveform is reconstructed by the multicoset signal processing algorithms and the phase noise of each tone of the PRBS test signal is measured.