Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing link equalization testing via a physical layer test and measurement system. The system includes a protocol aware test apparatus for transmitting testing data, a device under test for receiving the transmitted testing data, and an oscilloscope for receiving an output waveform from the device under test. The protocol aware test apparatus selects a first of a plurality of preset values, sends an equalization signal from the protocol aware test apparatus to the device under test, and changes a speed of communication to a predetermined speed and sends a compliance pattern to the device under test after placing the device under test in a loopback mode. A waveform output from the device under test is captured by the oscilloscope, and is analyzed to determine compliance of the device under test with a predetermined link equalization speed in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the physical layer of high speed serial communication devices and systems with protocol awareness is disclosed. The apparatus comprises of two major blocks: a General Purpose Platform (GPP) and an Analog Front End (AFE). Physical layer testing is divided into two sets of testing procedures: Receiver and Transmitter testing. This test system can be used in a traditional BERT setting where the test system commands the Device Under Test (DUT) to be placed into either a loop back mode, or into a more advanced mode where the test system is communicating with the DUT on a protocol level and counts the frame error ratio (FER). This FER is protocol dependent and each protocol receiver has its own way of reporting transmission errors to the transmitter. The protocol awareness of this invention is capable of detecting such a level of errors.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may receive operating code developed using a graphical user interface (GUI) that permits substantially real-time editing of instructions that have been determined to include errors. In various implementations, a data traffic modification device may selectively modify data traffic upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. In one illustrative example, operating code may be developed by sequentially editing individual instructions. Upon modifying each instruction, the validity of the operating code with the edited instruction may be checked, and the GUI may display the updated code substantially in real time during an editing session. The GUI may display an indication of the validity status of the set of instructions. In some embodiments, the user may be permitted to continue editing the code within the GUI while the set of instructions contains errors.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may include a processing module to handle SATA-compliant data transfers in which a source device or a target device issues requests to pause and subsequently to resume the data transfer. In various implementations, a data traffic modification device may selectively modify data traffic upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. In one illustrative example, if a target device for the data transfer issues a pause request (e.g., to prevent a buffer overflow), the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the target device within a response time specified by the protocol. In another illustrative example, if a source device for the data transfer issues a pause request, the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the source device within the response time specified by the protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a data transfer system. The method comprises the steps of storing a first table, the first table noting at least a time of issuance of at least one command and a time of completion of the command and comparing the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command. A timeout condition is registered if the processor determines that a time longer than a predetermined time elapsed between the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the physical layer of high speed serial communication devices and systems with a protocol aware test and measurement system is disclosed. This system includes two major units, a General Purpose Platform (GPP) that includes a protocol awareness and is capable of traffic generation and reception at a protocol level, and an Analog Front End (AFE) that includes physical layer testing capabilities. Physical layer testing is divided into two sets of testing procedures: Receiver testing and Transmitter testing. This test system can be used in a traditional BERT setting where the test system commands the Device Under Test (DUT) to be placed into either a loop back mode and the tester is expecting the same bit flow it transmitted, coming back from the DUT, or into a more advanced mode where the test system is in communication with the DUT like a protocol exerciser and counts the frame error ratio while stressing the DUT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a data transfer system. The method comprises the steps of storing a first table, the first table noting at least a time of issuance of at least one command and a time of completion of the command and comparing the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command. A timeout condition is registered if the processor determines that a time longer than a predetermined time elapsed between the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may modify a data stream as a function of a selected data value in the data stream, where the data value is selected from among values received into a buffer before the occurrence of a trigger condition. In an illustrative example, a buffer in a data traffic modification device may receive and temporarily store multiple data values being transferred between a source device (e.g., server) and a target device (e.g., storage area network). In some embodiments, the buffered data may contain data to be captured in response to detecting a trigger condition. The captured data, for example, may be used to generate a substitution value for another location in the data stream. Accordingly, some implementations may provide for capture of data values that precede a trigger data value within a data stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may receive operating code developed using a graphical user interface (GUI) that permits substantially real-time editing of instructions that have been determined to include errors. In various implementations, a data traffic modification device may selectively modify data traffic upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. In one illustrative example, operating code may be developed by sequentially editing individual instructions. Upon modifying each instruction, the validity of the operating code with the edited instruction may be checked, and the GUI may display the updated code substantially in real time during an editing session. The GUI may display an indication of the validity status of the set of instructions. In some embodiments, the user may be permitted to continue editing the code within the GUI while the set of instructions contains errors.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may include a processing module to handle SATA-compliant data transfers in which a source device or a target device issues requests to pause and subsequently to resume the data transfer. In various implementations, a data traffic modification device may selectively modify data traffic upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. In one illustrative example, if a target device for the data transfer issues a pause request (e.g., to prevent a buffer overflow), the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the target device within a response time specified by the protocol. In another illustrative example, if a source device for the data transfer issues a pause request, the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the source device within the response time specified by the protocol.