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SPX Series, PCI Express

Analyzers, Exercisers, Compliance Test Suites

The Industry's Only Fully-Integrated PCI Express Solution

Providing a wide range of PCI Express analysis, emulation and compliance testing, Catalyst delivers the industry's only "Total Solution" for your PCI Express development requirements.

Available Models: SPX-1A, SPX-1E, SPX-4A, SPX-4E, SPX-8E, SPX-8A

PCI Express Products

The Catalyst SPX Series of feature-rich PCI Express products are designed from the ground up to meet the specific requirements of engineering professionals developing PCI Express systems, devices, and software. Complete solutions are provided to support lane configurations from x1 to x16.

For x4 and below, Catalyst provides a fully integrated, single-board PCI Express analyzer/exerciser system, providing both passive in-line protocol analysis capabilities between two link devices, active endpoint or root complex emulation, protocol error detection, error injection, and automated compliance testing.

For designs at x8, the SPX Series offer two separate boards, one optimized for analysis and another optimized for exercising functions.

Analyzers

In the analyzer mode, the SPX is inserted between two communicating PCI Express devices, typically a root complex and an endpoint. The analyzer provides extensive triggering and filtering, performance analysis, and an intuitive and detailed capture display of all layers of PCI Express traffic. Trigger scenarios may be set up for sequential or non-sequential events, including counter and timer functions. Selectable trigger events include all ordered sets, packets, K/D characters, protocol errors, payload data, and other bus events.

The captured data is displayed in an easy-to-understand Catalyst Trace™ view, with various display options available to quickly zero in on specific transactions, packets, errors, or other bus events. Alternatively, the user can elect to view the capture in a list view format, where bus traffic is represented in hex, 10b, binary, and name convention formats, by lane and direction.

One-touch filters are available to quickly strip away the physical, data link, and/or transaction layers. More sophisticated and detailed post-filter options are available as well.

A detailed statistical report provides instant qualitative and quantitative information on the captured bus traffic, including a fast-search feature whereby the capture instantly jumps to the selected packet or event highlighted in the statistics report.

A data payload report breaks down captured payloads and provides its own statistical summary on this information, including a byte value distribution graph as well as additional quick-search features. Additional features include save-as-text, copy options, quick filters, and various display control and formatting options.

The SPX is offered in two software feature packages, to better match user requirements with available budgets. The two configurations are the “Pro” SPX and the “Expert” SPX, with the Pro versions offering lower cost and the Expert versions offering a complete suite of advanced features. For details on these configurations, see here.

Analyzer Features and Controls

Protocol error detection
Multi-state event triggering
Scramble/de-scramble options
Precise pre- and post-filtering
Non-standard link speed support
Event counters
Polarity reversal
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC) Support

FEATURES INCLUDED IN THE OPTION			Reduced "Pro" SPX	Full "Expert" SPX
Analyzer Features	Analyzer Projects
	Easy Trigger/Capture Mode
	Basic Trigger Patterns	Snapshot
		Timer
		Other Triggers: PERST#, WAKE#, Electric Idle, External Trigger In
		Symbol
		Ordered Set
		TLP
		Limited Protocol Errors (First 5)
	Basic Capture Patterns	Exclude DLLPs
		Exclude Ordered Sets
		Exclude Idles
		Symbol
		Ordered Set
		DLLP
		TLP
	Post-Processing	List View
		Protocol Calc
		Spec Header / Spec View
		Auto Polarity Detection
		Lane Reversal
		Post Filter
		Search
Advanced Analyzer Features	Advanced Analyzer Mode
Advanced Analyzer Features	Sequential Mode
Advanced Trigger Features	Advanced Trigger Patterns	Timeout
		Message
		Completion Status
		Transfer
		LTSSM
		Unlimited Protocol Errors
Advanced Capture Features	Pre-Trigger / Post-Capture
	Advanced Capture Patterns	Message
	Advanced Capture Patterns	Completion Status
Trace Memory			128 MB	512 MB
Post-Process Reports	Statistical
Post-Process Reports	Data
Payload Decoding	Config Space Info
	Register Decodes
	UDD
Compact View
LTSSM Flow Graph (1)
Auto Run	Auto Run
Auto Run	Project Batch Run
Slow Speed
Cross Domain Trigger
Lane Width	x1
	x2
	x4
	x8

Notes:
(1) LTSSM Flow Graph Option requires Compact View Option enabled.

Exercisers

In the exerciser mode, the SPX can become either a fully programmable endpoint or root complex, for purposes of testing and characterizing the corresponding link partner device. SPX series Exercisers have an embedded analyzer designed in to allow users to capture and trigger on the bus data while exercising.

The Catalyst Exerciser is a highly controllable, interactive PCI Express engine, allowing the ability to selectively turn on or off individual data link processes to test non-standard cases. Upstream and downstream modes are fully supported. Error injection capabilities also extend to the transaction and physical layers, where users can edit any TLP field with any value and can also inject lane skew on any/all lanes. A Record & Replay feature is implemented in the software as well as a Wait-For trigger to enhance the exerciser feature set.

The user can generate user-defined packets and primitives. All packet fields can be edited. Exerciser sequence controls include loop/iterate, pulse-out-on-execution, execute-on-external-pulse, and a Wait-For state, whereby execution is paused until a specific packet, event, or series of packet and/or events are detected on the bus.

Exerciser Features and Controls

Inject lane skew
Control Flow Control Updates and Initialization
Control automated DLLP responses to Completions
Force polarity reversal
Replay captured packets
Write/read/verify utility
Data dump utility
Read/modify/write utility
Controllable replay buffer
Controllable FC_INIT Values for multiple VCs
WAIT-FOR conditional packet execution
Non-Standard REF CLK support down to 40MHz
Local read/write memory

PCI Express Compliance Test Suites, SpekChek

SpekChek is a unique, automated PCI Express compliance test suite that includes built-in emulation, verification and report generation. SpekChek, a software add-on to the SPX Series of Analyzer/Exercisers, is based on compliance checklists issued by the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG). SpekChek generates a predefined set up and stimulus to a link partner device, and then makes pass/fail decisions based on an expected response, automatically under software control. Once tests are complete, a formatted report is provided to the user, which lists all selected tests, and their pass/fail status. As each test is executed, a protocol capture file (trace view) is saved, as well as the project settings, which include exerciser and capture settings. These archives permit the user to view the exerciser's activities (or even edit them), and the actual response from the device under test to verify the pass/fail report. All files are provided in SPX Analyzer/Exerciser format and can be edited and viewed by this application software. Datasheet

Download SpekChek

COM-API,Programming Control

A COM Application Programming Interface (API) is available, which permits the user to operate the SPX from a user-defined program, via the same Common Object Model (COM) library used by the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The COM API library exports interfaces to detect status, set options, and program the SPX hardware to perform various capture, trigger, exerciser, and performance operations. An easy mode is provided for simple tasks, and an advanced mode is provided for more detailed, complex tasks.

Real-time Protocol Error Detection

The SPX real-time protocol error feature allows the user to detect & trigger on over 40 protocol violations across all layers of the protocol, in real-time. The user simply selects the error, or errors, to be monitored and executes the run. Errors detected cause the SPX to trigger and display the error(s) at the trigger location in sync with the rest of the packets and events. Once the analyzer is armed with trigger on protocol error(s) it will continue to monitor the bus indefinitely until an error is detected or analyzer stopped by the user.

Performance Analysis

The real-time performance analysis mode provides a graphical “finger-on-the-pulse” indication of bus activity. Metrics include bus utilization, throughput, completion latency, idle time, and other important characteristics. The performance analyzer may be run with or without the exerciser.

Performance Characterization

The real-time performance analysis can also be operated in conjunction with the exerciser, allowing the user to characterize a design under precisely controlled conditions. For example, the exerciser may be used to loop through a script of read commands, while the performance analysis utility reports on average completion latency. Metrics include bus utilization, throughput, idle time, and other important characteristics.

Advanced Triggering

The SPX application software provides two modes for control of the capture (filter) and trigger sequences. In the Easy Mode, an extensive list of pre-defined triggers and filters are provided for quick and simple execution of traffic captures. This mode is suitable for most common tasks. For more complex tasks, Catalyst provides an Advanced Mode interface, which gives the user a powerful, programmatic approach to controlling the capture/trigger process. This mode provides 24 sequencer states, including timers, counters, and IF, ELSE-IF, and GO-TO conditional logic. A graphical depiction of the sequencer logic is provided as well.

PXP-100 Development Platform

Catalyst’s PXP-100 Development Platform provides an excellent out-of-system, self-contained, self-powered, portable test environment for PCI Express endpoint devices. The PXP-100 provides a passive backplane interconnect for all link widths, from x1 to x16. Two x16 slots are provided, with a standard mid-bus pad layout between the connectors for low-level electrical access by the Catalyst mid-bus probe solution or third-party logic analysis equipment. Power rails supplied include 3.3V, 3.3Vaux, and 12V, including power for the SPX Analyzer/Exerciser. A pushbutton for PERST# is also provided.

Adapters, Extenders, and Accessories

Catalyst provides a wealth of various active and passive adapters, extenders, and accessories for PCI Express technologies, including lane width adapters, a PIPE Speed Bridge, cabling accessories and adapters, ExpressCard and Mini-Express products. Click here for a complete listing of available adapters and extenders for these technologies.

SPX-1A PCI Express Protocol Analyzer

Supports x1 lane configuration. Provides passive in-line analysis of PCI Express link traffic, including advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. May be field-upgraded or factory-configured to include PCI Express exerciser or additional lane support (to x4 configurations). See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-1A features include:

Protocol analyzer
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 host control interface
Protocol error detection
Polarity & lane reversal
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
Optional COM API for programmatic control

SPX-1E PCI Express Exerciser with Integrated Data Capture Ability

Supports x1 lane configuration. PCI Express exerciser with standard, integrated analysis system (capture, trigger, and display). Configurable as endpoint or root complex. Includes advanced error injection capabilities at all layers, comprehensive packet generation features, advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. Compliance test suites and COM API optional. May be field-upgraded or factory-configured to include PCI Express Analyzer capabilities (see SPX-1A) or additional lane support (to x4 configurations). See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-1E features include:

Protocol exerciser
Integrated filter, trigger, & capture display
Error injection
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 Host Interface
SpekCheck compliance test (optional)
Protocol error detection
Record & playback
Polarity reversal
Configuration space decodes
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
COM API for programmatic control (Optional)

SPX-4A PCI Express Protocol Analyzer

Supports x4 and x1 lane configurations. Provides passive in-line analysis of PCI Express link traffic, including advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. May be field-upgraded or factory-configured to include PCI Express exerciser. See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-4A features include:

Protocol analyzer
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 Host Interface
Protocol error detection
Polarity & lane reversal
Configuration space decodes
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
COM API for programmatic control (Optional)

SPX-4E PCI Express Exerciser with Integrated Data Capture Ability

Supports x4 and x1 lane configurations. PCI Express exerciser with standard, integrated analysis system (capture, trigger, and display). Configurable as endpoint or root complex. Includes advanced error injection capabilities at all layers, comprehensive packet generation features, advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. Compliance test suites and COM API optional. May be field-upgraded or factory-configured to include PCI Express Analyzer capabilities (see SPX-4A). See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-4E features include:

Protocol exerciser
Integrated filter, trigger, & capture display
Error injection
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 Host Interface
SpekCheck compliance test (optional)
Protocol error detection
Record & playback
Polarity reversal
Configuration space decodes
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
COM API for programmatic control (Optional)

SPX-8E PCI Express Exerciser with Integrated Data Capture Ability

Supports x8, x4, and x1 lane configurations. PCI Express exerciser with standard, integrated analysis system (capture, trigger, and display). Configurable as endpoint or root complex. Includes advanced error injection capabilities at all layers, comprehensive packet generation features, advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. Compliance test suites and COM API optional. See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-8E features include:

Protocol exerciser
Integrated filter, trigger, & capture display
Error injection
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 Host Interface
SpekCheck compliance test (optional)
Protocol error detection
Record & playback
Polarity reversal
Configuration space decodes
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
COM API for programmatic control (Optional)

SPX-8A PCI Express Protocol Analyzer

Supports x8, x4, and x1 lane configurations. Provides passive in-line analysis of PCI Express link traffic, including advanced filter and trigger functions, intuitive packet capture display, list view display, link performance characterization tools, and various link control settings. See picture. Datasheet.

SPX-8A features include:

Protocol analyzer
Real-time performance analysis
Statistical traffic analysis
Ethernet & USB 2.0 Host Interface
Protocol error detection
Polarity & lane reversal
Configuration space decodes
Scramble/de-scramble options
Non-standard link speed support
Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC)
External triggers in/out
COM API for programmatic control (Optional)

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