A Bit Error Ratio Tester (BERT), is an electronic device that tests how error-free data transmission occurs in a digital circuit. They are used to assess bit error rate trends. BERT or bit error rate test is a testing method for digital communication circuits that uses predetermined stress patterns consisting of a sequence of logical ones and zeros generated by a test pattern generator. A BERT includes a pattern generator and an error detector and is used to perform design verification, characterization, compliance, and manufacturing test of high-speed. This article will be rather short in comparison with the others in the mini-series about various Ethernet/IP testing methods but it is one that is necessary as Bit Error Tests have a long tradition in telco environment (circuit based networks) but are still quite valid even in nowadays packet. BERT (Bit Error Rate Tester) is a specialized instrument used in testing high-speed digital communication systems.
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