Link equalization tester

摘要

A method and an apparatus for performing link equalization testing via a physical layer test and measurement system. The system includes a protocol aware test apparatus for transmitting testing data, a device under test for receiving the transmitted testing data, and an oscilloscope for receiving an output waveform from the device under test. The protocol aware test apparatus selects a first of a plurality of preset values, sends an equalization signal from the protocol aware test apparatus to the device under test, and changes a speed of communication to a predetermined speed and sends a compliance pattern to the device under test after placing the device under test in a loopback mode. A waveform output from the device under test is captured by the oscilloscope, and is analyzed to determine compliance of the device under test with a predetermined link equalization speed in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

主权项

1. A physical layer test and measurement system with protocol awareness, comprising:
an analog front end (AFE) unit with physical layer testing capabilities, the AFE unit adapted to generate and provide a signal to a device under test, the device under test acting as a signal receiver, the AFE unit further adapted to receive a signal from the device under test, the device under test acting as a signal transmitter; and a general purpose platform (GPP) with protocol awareness capabilities of one or more predefined protocols, the GPP further being adapted to perform testing on an input signal received from the AFE to determine errors on a protocol packet level at a plurality of different speeds of operation of the device under test in accordance with one or more of the one or more predefined protocols in accordance with the steps of: (a) selecting a first of a plurality of preset values; (b) sending an equalization signal from the AFE to the device under test; (c) requesting a change in transmitter equalization to the device under test to a predetermined setting; (d) confirming a change in transmitter equalization by the device under test to the predetermined setting within a predetermined time; (e) entering the system into a loopback mode; (f) sending a compliance pattern to the device under test from the AFE; (g) capturing a waveform output from the device under test; (h) repeating steps b-g for each of the plurality of preset values.