Keysight Technologies Introduces PCIe® Gen3 Protocol Analysis Test Solution

  
  

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2014

Keysight Technologies, Inc. today introduced the U4301B PCIe® protocol analyzer for engineers developing PCIe Gen3 systems. The U4301B supports all PCIe speeds from 2.5 GT/s (Gen1) through 8 GT/s (Gen3) and link widths from x1 through x16. The analyzer comes standard with analysis tools to validate PCIe LTSSM (link training and status state machine) processes, as well as NVM (non-volatile memory) Express and AHCI (advanced host controller interface) transactional protocol operations. New interposers support the latest storage devices that use SFF-8639 and M.2 connectors.

The U4301B PCIe analysis module works in an AXIe chassis to deliver the price and flexibility engineers need in today's test solutions. To help engineers connect to the system under test, Keysight has added two new interposer probes, the U4330A SFF-8639 and the U4328A M.2 PCIe interposers. In addition, Keysight has interposers available for more traditional connections: the U4321A solid slot interposer and the U4322A PCIe Gen3 midbus, probe. Customized probing is available with the U4324A flying-lead probe. Keysight probing solutions reliably capture data in marginal systems with the use of patented Equalization Snoop Probe (ESP) technology and fully automated tuning procedures.

LTSSM is often one of the most difficult challenges for product developers. The U4301B offers detailed analysis of the training sequence with LTSSM analysis and equalization visualization tools. Analyzing PCIe Gen3 equalization requires the capture of thousands of packets, and these tools provide a clear and easy-to-follow analysis summary of the capture process.

Storage technologies are moving quickly to adopt PCIe connections to provide higher throughput and improved response time supported by nonvolatile memory. NVM Express is a new protocol specifically designed for this environment. The U4301B organizes the transactions by direction or by queue to follow the data flow across the interface. Individual PRP (physical region page) lists contain all of the key information of the NVMe queues, and with one-click visualization of NVMe transactions, the U4301B allows designers to quickly review and validate the data flows over the PCIe connections.

"With storage moving to non-volatile memory and the high-performance PCIe interface, developers need new ways to test and optimize their products," said Dave Cipriani, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Oscilloscope and Protocol Division. "The U4301B offers the new interfaces and analysis tools for NVMe and AHCI devices of the future."

Performance analyses include:

  • Real data throughput calculations, with response-time measurement of the PCIe data flow. This analysis allows designers to understand throughput performance, PCIe response times and other operational measurements that provide insight for optimizing device performance.
  • Detailed graphing of available header and data flow control credits to make it easy for engineers to visualize and analyze data flow and credit availability.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The U4301B PCIe protocol analyzer is available now and pricing starts at $39,500. Product images are available at www.keysight.com/find/U4301B_images.


About Keysight Technologies

On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent Technologies announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement business. The new company, Keysight Technologies, began operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Agilent on Aug. 1, 2014 with a full separation anticipated in early November 2014. Keysight is expected to trade on the NYSE under the symbol KEYS.

Keysight is a global electronic measurement technology and market leader helping to transform its customers' measurement experience through innovation in wireless, modular, and software solutions. Keysight provides electronic measurement instruments and systems and related software, software design tools and services used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of electronic equipment. Information about Keysight is available at www.keysight.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbors created therein. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, information regarding Keysight's separation of the electronic measurement business; future revenues, earnings and profitability; the future demand for the company's products and services; and customer expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Keysight's results to differ materially from management's current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unforeseen changes in the strength of our customers' businesses; unforeseen changes in the demand for current and new products, technologies, and services; customer purchasing decisions and timing, and the risk that we are not able to realize the savings expected from integration and restructuring activities.

In addition, other risks that Keysight faces include those detailed in Keysight's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10, and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of Keysight's management and on currently available information. Keysight undertakes no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

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PCIe® is a US registered trademark and/or service mark of PCI-SIG.

 

Contact:

Janet Smith, Americas
+1 970 679 5397
janet_smith@keysight.com
Twitter: @KeysightJSmith

Sarah Calnan, Europe
+44 (118) 927 5101
sarah_calnan@keysight.com

Connie Wong, Asia
+852 3197-7818
connie-ky_wong@keysight.com