New type of instrument answers tough PCIe-system test challenges

New type of instrument answers tough PCIe-system test challenges

In-line tester board injects errors to validate hardware/software operation or replicate field-error scenarios

Sitting between a PCIe board and its host system, the N5323A PCIe Jammer is the first instrument designed to inject faults in line into a PCI Express system. Operating in much the same way as an in-circuit emulator does for validating microprocessor operations, the Jammer is functionally transparent to both the host and the PCIe board, overriding normal system responses to inject errors. The board-instrument can thus be used quickly and easily to either initially validate full system operation or to reproduce errors reported from the field, thereby saving time while increasing visibility and assurance of system performance.

Connected to a desktop or laptop PC through its USB port, the tester injects errors through a graphical sequencer. This approach lets users perform full functional test of system hardware/software without having to write scripts for set up and operation.

The instrument works easily with an Agilent E2960B series PCIe protocol analyzer (often used for initial design test), triggering the analyzer to capture and display system responses. While the Jammer, like an in-circuit emulator, does not operate at full system-clock speeds, it does use advanced FPGAs to operate at fast hardware rates, rather than slower software speeds. (From $27,500 available now.)

Agilent Technologies , Santa Clara , CA
Sales 800-829-4444
http://www.agilent.com/find/pciejammer