Direct attach cable assembly specification analysis from 8 port S-parameters

This thesis focuses on test and characterization of the Direct Attach passive cables by 8 port s-parameter analysis. The setup comprises of the Network Analyzer, multi port test set and Electronic calibration module. The module compliance boards (MCB) and a host compliance board (HCB) is used as in integral part of the experiment test setup for measuring the Direct Attach passive cables. MATLAB code is developed to test the Direct Attach passive cables for the SFF-8431 cable assembly specifications. The 10 gigabit SFP+ copper cable assembly specification parameters tested by this code are Difference Waveform Distortion Penalty (dWDPc), VMA Loss (L), VMA Loss to Crosstalk Ratio (VCR), Differential Output/Input Reflection Coefficient (SDDxx) and Common Mode Output/Input Reflection Coefficient (SCCxx). Failure analysis is done for all the cables under test and cables within the specification are sorted out as reliable ones.