OIF 400ZR and 800ZR Transmitter Quality Metric Measurements

This white paper presents the methodology and findings related to the capturing of 400ZR and 800ZR transmitter waveforms during the OFC 2025 interoperability plugfest. It outlines the Optical Internetworking Forum's (OIF) efforts to standardize coherent optics at the physical layer, focusing on the development of a transmitter quality metric (TQM) that addresses the challenges posed by multiple impairments in transmitter signals. The document details the test setup, including the use of optical modulation analyzers for waveform captures, and describes the procedures followed to ensure measurement accuracy and repeatability. Initial evaluations of the captured waveforms are discussed, including the use of error vector magnitude (EVM) scripts and the Keysight OMA software for analysis. The results indicate the validity of the recordings and provide insights into the relative quality of the transmitter signals, which is crucial for maintaining interoperability in multi-vendor environments. The paper aims to enhance confidence among network operators regarding the performance of 400ZR and 800ZR solutions.