BERT Software supports PCI Express compatible bus systems.

Press Release Summary:




Available as option, automated Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) solution enables FPGA Embedded Instruments utilization in form of softcores for test and design validation of PCI Express x1/x4/x8/x16 interfaces according to PCIe 1.0/2.0/3.0. To support design validation, graphical evaluation by eye diagram is possible. Relevant parameters for validation, such as pre-emphasis and equalizing, are interactively adjustable and become immediately effective without recompiling IP.



Original Press Release:



GOEPEL Electronics Extends Bit Error Rate Test on PCI Express



On occasion of the International Test Conference ITC in Seattle, GOEPEL electronics launched a new option for Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) of PCI Express compatible high-speed bus systems.



The highly automated solution enables FPGA Embedded Instruments utilization in the form of special softcores for the test and design validation of PCI Express x1/x4/x8/x16 interfaces according to PCIe 1.0/2.0/3.0. The therefore necessary instruments are simultaneously configured for each channel. To support the design validation, a graphical evaluation by eye diagram is possible. Relevant parameters for validation such as pre-emphasis, equalizing, etc. are interactively adjustable and become immediately effective without recompiling of the IP. The application can automatically be generated by the Automatic Application Program Generator (AAPG) integrated in SYSTEM CASCON.



The Bit Error Rate Test allows the qualitative evaluation of transmission channels and is of utmost importance for PCIe interfaces due to their Gigabit speed.



The use of BGA components increasingly complicates the ability to contact with external instruments and such contact, if even possible, causes undesirable signal distortions. It is the aim of ChipVORX, after chip assembly, to provide design embedded BERT tools for test as well as for hardware validation based on eye diagrams.



A live demo of the new option can be seen at booth A1.351 at the electronica in Munich.



About Bit Error Rate Test (BERT):

So called Bit Error Rates (BER) are measured to evaluate the channel quality in digital transmission systems. BER is the relation between faulty transported bits and the total number of transported bits in a certain time interval. The equipment consists basically of the pattern generator, a transceiver with error detector and a clock generator, synchronising both. The bit patterns, created by the pattern generator, are in particular important for the quality of the Bit Error Rate Test, as they have critical influence on the fault stimulation during the transmission (stress pattern).



About Chip Embedded Instruments:

Chip embedded Instruments are permanently integrated or temporarily implemented test and measurement functions (T&M) in an integrated circuit. Virtually, they are the counterpart to external T&M instruments as they don’t require invasive contacting by means of probes or nails. Hence, the problem of signal distortion in high-speed designs by parasitic contacting effects is omitted. Chip embedded Instruments are part of the so called Embedded System Access (ESA) technologies that are currently the most modern strategy for validation, test and debug as well as programming of complex boards and systems. They can be utilised throughout the entire product life cycle, enabling improved test coverage at reduced costs.



About ChipVORX®:

ChipVORX is an IP-based technology for implementation, access and control of Chip embedded Instruments via IEEE Std. 1149.x/JTAG. It also supports FPGA embedded instruments in the form of softcores. The ChipVORX library currently contains more than 300 different test and measurement instruments for all leading FPGA platforms. Some of these instruments are frequency meters and high-speed Flash programmers as well as IP for at-speed access test of dynamic RAM devices.



About GOEPEL electronics:

GOEPEL electronics is a worldwide leading vendor of innovative electronic and optical test and inspection systems, being the market leader for professional JTAG/Boundary Scan solutions for Embedded System Access (ESA). A network of branch offices, distributors and service partners ensures the global availability of the products as well as the support of the more than 8,000 system installations. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Jena/Germany, GOEPEL electronics employs currently more than 200 employees and generated a revenue of 25 Million Euro in 2013 (ca. $34 Mio). GOEPEL electronics has continuously been ISO9001 certified since 1996 and has been honoured with TOP-JOB and TOP-100 awards for being one of the best medium-sized companies in Germany. GOEPEL electronic’s products won several awards in recent years and are used by the leading companies in telecommunication, automotive, space and avionics, industrial controls, medical technology, and other industries. Further information about the company and its products can be found on the internet at www.goepel.com.

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