Case Study: McGill University achieves higher-bandwidth, more accurate optoelectronic testing with Keysight's 110 GHz UXR and M8199A

Photonic Systems Group at McGill University Overcomes Test Limitations in Optoelectronic Research

McGill University’s Photonic Systems Group, led by Dr. David V. Plant, faced test limitations in optoelectronic research that constrained bandwidth, sensitivity, and noise performance needed to develop higher‑capacity optical fiber transmission and more bandwidth‑efficient modulation schemes. To address these challenges they turned to Keysight, selecting its 110 GHz UXR1104A oscilloscope and M8199A AWG to meet demanding A‑to‑D/D‑to‑A requirements.

Keysight’s solution—centered on the 110 GHz UXR1104A (110 GHz bandwidth, <1 mVrms noise) paired with the M8199A AWG (up to 256 GS/s and ~70 GHz bandwidth)—enabled previously unreachable eye‑diagram analysis and error minimization. The new instruments produced measurable gains (one student reported a 5–10% improvement over a 63 GHz scope), supported experiments with 200 Gbaud Nyquist pulses toward 800 Gb–1.6 Tb links, improved data accuracy for publications, and strengthened grant and industry collaboration prospects.

McGill University

David V. Plant

Canada Research Chair and Head of the Photonic Systems Group