Protocol analyzer/exerciser can test PCI Express 3.0 buses completely

Protocol analyzer/exerciser can test PCI Express 3.0 buses completely

To transition to PCI Express 3.0, whose specification is currently under development by PCI-SIG, designers will have to test for higher bus speeds, backwards-compatibility requirements, a change in the encoding scheme, and a number of new advanced protocol features. To assist with such development, the Digital Test Console protocol analysis and exerciser system is a complete, integrated solution able to handle these test needs — from electrical to protocol layer — for all x1 through x16-lane architectures.

To accomplish these tasks, the instrument provides equalization snoop probe (ESP) — a unique technology for reliable data capture at 8 Gtransfers/s — a Link Training and Status State Machine (LTSSM) exerciser for validating new encoding and protocol designs, and a flexible GUI to help debug the advanced protocol.

The console is designed to work as part of a complete system that can include a 90000 Series Infiniium oscilloscope for ensuring electrical compliance of PCIe 3.0 devices, an 86100C Infiniium DCA-J jitter analyzer, J-BERT N4903B high-performance serial BERT, N5990A test automation software, and the Advanced Design System (ADS), which provides simulation for design characterization and optimization.

(Average system price, $100,000 — console and associated instruments available now.)

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