System and method for multi-rate, high-sensitivity clock and data recovery with adjustable decision threshold, RF input, and optical-to-electrical conversion

A system, comprising:

• a clock and data recovery module as a stand-alone unit;
• and
• a digital communications analyzer connected to the clock and data recovery module;
• wherein the clock and data recovery module as a stand-alone unit comprises:
• an optical input connected to an optical-to-electrical converter with an output of the optical-to-electrical converter connected to an external output;
• an external input connected to a clock and data recovery circuit;
• a splitter selectively connected to the external input, the splitter configured to receive an input signal and split the input signal to the digital communications analyzer;
• and
• a plurality of clock outputs receiving outputs from the clock and data recovery circuit, wherein one of the plurality of clock outputs is connected to the digital communications analyzer;
• wherein the clock and data recovery module is configured to receive signals in either an optical or electrical format.

A clock and data recovery method, comprising:

• receiving an input signal type of either optical or electrical to a module;
• if optical, connecting the input signal to an optical connector to receive an electrical output via an optical-electrical converter and connecting the electrical output to an electrical input;
• if electrical, connecting the input signal to the electrical input;
• determining a setting of one of a plurality of data rates based on the input signal;
• connecting one or more outputs from the module to a digital communications analyzer;
• monitoring an eye pattern on the digital communications analyzer;
• and
• adjusting a decision threshold on the module and optical input levels to the monitor.