The speed of serial data technologies is increasing: PCI Express® (PCIe®) 6.0 offers a data rate of 64 gigabits per second (GT/s), while USB4® Specification v2.0 offers 80 gigabits per second (Gbps). Both newer standards utilize multilevel pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) signals. The increased speed and the use of multilevel signaling require greater oscilloscope bandwidth and resolution. The complexity of serial data links is also increasing due to the use of dynamic link equalization, negotiation, shaping, and handshaking operations to establish and maintain the higher transfer rates. Some of these operations are performed over low-speed parallel serial data links using a combination of physical layer signals and protocol communications.
The new WaveMaster 8000HD Series high-bandwidth oscilloscopes deliver signal characterization performance for next-generation serial data technologies, such as PCIe 6.0 and USB4 Specification v2.0. The WaveMaster 8000HD more than doubles the bandwidth and sampling rate of its predecessor: 12-bit resolution at full bandwidth and sampling rate, and up to 8 Gpts of acquisition memory. The 12-bit resolution provides signal characterization of the multilevel PAM3 and PAM4 signals used in the USB4 v2.0 and PCIe 6.0 specifications, respectively, and the 8 Gpts improves the troubleshooting of link negotiation issues.
The WaveMaster 8000HD also offers several capabilities to meet the debugging requirements of complex links and high-speed embedded systems. WaveMaster 8000HD users can:
- Seamlessly merge the WaveMaster 8000HD oscilloscope functions with a Teledyne LeCroy PCIe or USB protocol analyzer using CrossSync™ PHY cross-layer analysis to provide a unique view of high-speed link behavior.
- Capture low-speed serial data sideband, training and negotiation links, power rails, and other associated signals using almost any of the 50 Ω or 1 MΩ coupled probes (including passive and current probes) offered by Teledyne LeCroy.
- Utilize any of the more than 20 low-speed serial triggers and decoders, making it easy to perform both low- and high-speed debugging on the same oscilloscope.
- Capture digital signals with digital logic inputs (mixed signal) up to 500 MHz clock speed integrated into the WaveMaster 8000HD oscilloscope, with options to add the HDA125 high-speed digital analyzer to digitally acquire signals up to 6 Gb/s - especially useful for acquiring, decoding, and separating read/write signals from DDR memory as part of DDR debugging and compliance testing.
- Observe and debug link errors over extended periods using up to 8 Gpts of acquisition memory.
The new SDA Expert software options provide a streamlined experience with tailored technology analysis for PCIe, USB, DisplayPort, and more, including powerful PAM and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) eye diagram tools, jitter analysis, and link analysis. QualiPHY® test suites offer easy automation of compliance testing for complex, high-speed serial data interfaces. All of these serial data testing capabilities are useful for the next generation of PCIe.
