SATA/SAS Test Software delivers automated compliance testing soluition
Press Release Summary:
Offering 6 Gbps SAS support, TekExpress software encompasses breadth of SAS conformance tests defined by UNH-IOL and SCSI Trade Association, enabling storage systems designers to complete tests by pressing single button. Once test bench is set up and DUT is properly connected, user presses Run button to perform selected SAS or SATA test suite. From there, detailed HTML reports and score cards are automatically generated.
Original Press Release:
Tektronix Introduces Fully Automated Test Support for SAS Conformance
TekExpress Now Offers a Simplified, One-Button Solution that Spans both SATA and SAS Standards, Saving Time and Improving Accuracy
BEAVERTON, Ore., - Tektronix, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of oscilloscopes, today announced an automated compliance and test automation solution that now spans both SATA and SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). It encompasses the breadth of SAS conformance tests defined by UNH-IOL and the SCSI Trade Association (STA). Using the latest TekExpress software, storage system designers can complete these tests by simply pressing a single button which ensures accurate and consistent results - saving set-up time and eliminating time-consuming and repetitive manual testing.
SAS has emerged as the dominant storage interface for enterprise server environments offering scalability, improved speed and higher reliability compared to SATA or previous generation parallel interfaces. Transmitter validation and debug for 6Gb/s SAS designs requires accurate jitter and eye analysis and differential S-Parameter characterization. With the addition of 6Gb/s SAS support, the TekExpress automated test software meets the varied test demands facing everyone from silicon providers to drive manufacturers to OEM systems houses.
"High-speed serial tests have become very complex and require the use of multiple instruments that have to be properly set up and coordinated. This complexity, together with the need for speed and efficiency, is driving a strong demand for test automation software," said Dave Slack, Marketing Manager, Technology Solutions Group, Tektronix. "In 2008, we delivered the industry's first fully automated compliance test suite for SATA Gen-2, and now we are following that up with the industry's first solution that automates the greatest combined breadth of SAS and SATA characterization tests."
Automation Saves Time and Resources
The TekExpress software for SAS delivers broad physical layer transmitter and channel measurements. This eliminates the need for senior engineers to closely monitor test specification developments. Instead, all the required tests are already fully implemented in software and instantly accessible. Automated compliance solutions for 6Gb/s SAS include the following tests:
o Group1: Out of Band (OOB) Measurements
o Group2: Tx Spread Spectrum Clocking (SSC) Requirements
o Group 3: Tx NRZ Data Signaling Requirements and AC parametric Measurements
Tektronix offers the high-performance oscilloscopes and signal generators required for 3Gb/s SAS and 6Gb/s SAS compliance tests. Required equipment includes a real-time oscilloscope (DSA70000 Series Digital Serial Analyzer) with over 10GHz of Bandwidth. The optional high-speed serial signal generator (AWG7000 Series Arbitrary Waveform Generator) allows for receiver testing and full test automation.
Setup and execution of SAS and SATA compliance tests is simple with TekExpress software. The test instrumentation is all controlled through the TekExpress automation framework. The TekExpress graphical user interface provides a common and intuitive workflow for setup and testing. Once the test bench is set up and the DUT is properly connected, the user simply presses the "Run" button to perform the selected SAS or SATA test suite. From there, detailed HTML reports and score cards are automatically generated.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for TekExpress Framework is $2,000 and the SAS and SATA modules range between $3,200-$11,200 - all prices shown are U.S. MSRP. The TekExpress SAS solution is currently available for order or download.
Follow Tektronix on Twitter - @tektronix.
About Tektronix
For more than sixty years, engineers have turned to Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring solutions to solve design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market. Tektronix is a leading supplier of test instrumentation for engineers focused on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at tektronix.com.
