Analyzer For Digital Cable Networks

Hewlett-Packard Co. introduced the HP 8594Q option J91 to its quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) analyzer that is designed to enable cable-television operators in North America to roll out digital-video services to their customers.

The Option J91 QAM analyzer makes RF and modulation quality measurements on the digital signals transmitted to consumers over cable systems.

The analyzer is designed to meet the 64 and 256 QAM system requirements for operators. It is based on the HP 8590E series portable spectrum analyzer. Channel-power measurements verify signal levels from the head-end to the subscriber drop, while adjacent channel-power measurements help highlight channel-to-channel variations that could cause interference or performance variations.

The product also displays the constellations, and measures the modulation error ratio to give a quantitative result for modulation quality. With the update rate of the modulation measurements, cable-TV technicians can get real-time feedback on system adjustments.

Hewlett-Packard Co., Test and Measurement Organization, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., MS 54LAK, Santa Clara, CA 95052.