Bit Error Rate Testers - Rent or Buy Certified Used

A method of evaluating the performance of a digital communication system, Bit Error Rate (BER) testing measures how many bit errors occur within a time period. This allows users to evaluate how reliable the system is and identify areas for improvement. BER testing is often used in telecommunications testing and troubleshooting because even minimal errors can have significant impacts on the transfer of data.  

A Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) works by sending a specific data sequence through a system. This original data pattern is compared to the one received and the difference between the two indicates the number of bit errors. The BER is the ratio of the number of bit errors to the total number of bits that were transmitted.  

A BERT may be used in a range of different industries and applications. For example, BER testers are used to monitor and troubleshoot telecommunications networks and ensure the reliability of communications systems in aerospace and defence. BER tests are also used in automotive and medical fields.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What's the difference between Bit Error Rate Test and arbitrary waveform generation? 
   Both used in testing digital communications systems, bit error rate testing and arbitrary waveform generation are two types of testing. BERT is used to test error rates in systems under different conditions such as varying noise levels and signals and frequencies. BER testers do this by generating a data pattern and sending it through a system, then comparing the original pattern to the one received to evaluate the difference. Arbitrary waveform generators, on the other hand, create waveforms with specific characteristics to mimic real-world signals for testing purposes.  
2. How do I calculate BER? 
   To calculate BER, divide the number of bit errors by the total number of bits transmitted. Then, multiply this number by 100 to get a percentage.    
3. What is an acceptable BER?
   The maximum acceptable BER varies considerably between different industries, applications, and communication systems. In general, 10^-9 is considered acceptable for most telecommunication systems, but 10^-13 or better is more appropriate for data transmission. 
4. What are the best BERT manufacturers?
   All the bit error rate testers available from Electro Rent are carefully selected to ensure their quality. Leading BERT manufacturers include Keysight Technologies, Anritsu, Tektronix, Synthesys, Quantifi Photonics, GW Instek, and Hyperlabs.  
5. What should I consider when choosing a BERT? 
   When choosing equipment to test bit error rate in your communications systems, a few key points to think about include: 
   • Configurability: Can the BERT be configured with different modulation schemes, data patterns, and signal levels to meet your needs? 
   • Signal quality: How precisely does the device create the required signal and is there jitter or noise which will reduce the accuracy of your measurement? 
   • Compatibility: Is the BERT compatible with your current equipment? 
   • Budget: Is the price right? Should I consider renting or buying used, or look for a different financial solution? 
   • User-friendliness: Is it easy and intuitive to use? 
   • Vendor support: Does the vendor offer technical support with your purchase? 
6. What data rates and test standards do BERTs support?
   Different BERT models can have different data-rate capability anywhere from Mbps up to 400 Gbps and beyond. Make sure the unit matches the protocol standards you’re testing (Ethernet, Fibre Channel, USB, PCIe or SDI) so you can validate performance accurately.
7. Does the BERT support custom or user-defined test patterns?
   Yes. In addition to PRBS, many BERT's allow user defined bit patterns or stress patterns. This is crucial to emulate real transmission conditions and validate behaviour of DUT in edge-cases.
8. Is jitter injection or jitter tolerance testing available?
   Some BERTs have jitter insert capability to test receiver performance with received signal degradation. That’s very important for something as high speed as 100G/400G links, where loss of signal integrity and eye closure can affect the reliability of the data.
9. What physical interfaces and connectors are supported?
   Ensure the BERT supports the interfaces your DUT requires, such as SMA, BNC, or coax connectors. Also, check for compatibility with module cages like SFP+ and QSFP28. Interface compliance guarantees data transfer and minimizes installation time.
10. Can the BERT be controlled remotely or integrated into automated test systems?
    Yes. Several BERTs can be remote controlled via SCPI commands, LabVIEW or Python-based APIs and have a USB or LAN interface. This is crucial for incorporating BERTs into an automated test pipeline or for long-running logging.
11. Why rent bit error rate testers? 
    BERT rental is a cost-effective and flexible alternative to buying test equipment. Allowing you to access instruments for short or long-term testing, our flexible rental solutions allow you to adjust, extend, or stop your rental period with ease. Renting frees up your budget while allowing you to access top-of-the-range tools for testing at a fraction of the price. What’s more, there's no need to worry about obsolescence or maintenance; renting means you're never burdened with aging assets.  
12. Is it better to buy a used bit error rate tester? 
    Buying a used BERT from a trusted supplier allows you to access top-quality equipment from leading manufacturers at a fraction of the normal price. All our Certified Pre-Owned bit error rate testers are carefully checked and calibrated in our labs as part of the rigorous 23-step certification process which ensures your equipment is as accurate and dependable as if it were new.  
    
    Choosing whether to rent equipment or buy used can be a difficult decision, so feel free to contact our knowledgeable team who will help you assess your requirements and find the best solution. Alternatively, download our free whitepaper Rent or Buy? Why Equipment Rental is the Strategic Choice to learn more.