Abstract: Some forms relate to a SOC testing apparatus. The example SOC testing apparatus includes an input interface and a protocol decode agent that receives transmission signals through the input interface. The protocol decode agent generates testing stimuli for a SOC based on the transmission signals. The SOC testing apparatus further includes an output interface and a test vector generator that receives the testing stimuli from the protocol decode agent and supplies the testing stimuli as digital signals to the output interface. The protocol decode agent decodes the traffic received from the input interface. The protocol decode agent then determines the correct testing stimuli to be applied to the SOC. The protocol decode agent may be a software model of the IO protocol being used to interact with the DUT. The protocol decode agent may determine what type of protocol is included in the signals received from the SOC.