Abstract: Improved methods and structures for testing of SAS components, in situ, in a SAS domain. A first SAS component is adapted to generate stimuli such as error conditions to elicit a response to the error condition from a second SAS component coupled to the first in the intended SAS domain configuration. In one aspect, a SAS device controller generates stimuli applied to a SAS expander coupled thereto and verifies proper response from the SAS expander. In another aspect, a SAS expander generates stimuli applied to a SAS device controller coupled thereto and verifies proper response from the SAS device controller. Stimuli may be generated by custom circuits or firmware/software within the first component. Vendor specific SAS SMP transactions may be used to cause the first component to enter the special verification mode.

Abstract: A multi-chip module (MCM) designed using standard die SAS expander components for rapidly designing a customized SAS expander having a predetermined number of ports. A number of standard expander die circuit components are selected and disposed on a MCM design. Each expander die circuit has a predetermined number of internal ports within the MCM and a predetermined number of ports for coupling to SAS devices external to the MCM. An internal fabric is disposed on the MCM and selectively coupled to internal ports of the SAS expanders to provide the desired number of external ports with desired routing therebetween. The internal fabric may be statically configured or dynamically programmed. The internal fabric routing may provide wide port routes as well as standard port connections.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the signals on a parallel communication bus uses a single printed circuit board that connects to the bus. The signals from the bus may be passively and actively filtered prior to a multiplexer. The multiplexer may be controlled by a variety of inputs, including communications over a second bus by a remote device. The output of the multiplexer is one or more probe points that may be connected to a measurement device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically configuring ports of devices within an SAS network domain. A domain control element, such as an SAS initiator, is coupled to a plurality of expander devices. The domain control element configures ports of the expander devices by traversing port connections between the expander devices to determine routing attributes of the ports. The domain control element automatically configures the ports to operate according to the routing attributes. In one aspect hereof, an initiator device of the SAS network domain serves as a control element to perform the automated configuration of routing attributes. In another aspect hereof, an expander device serves as a control element to configure routing attributes of the ports.