MUNICH – Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) in Munich is developing the ZNrun-K440 vector network analyzer automation suite for compliance test and measurement of the latest generation PCI Express 5.0 and 6.0 cables and connectors.
The network analyzer will provide an automated verification of a PCI Express x8 cable, with software controls of a setup with ZNB vector network analyzer plus scalable OSP switch matrix configuration to create a multiport VNA solution with 64 test ports.
This can reduce testing times for PCI Express x8 cables to a few minutes for complete test runs with all Thru and all crosstalk combinations plus corresponding metric calculations for Pass/Fail evaluations. By comparison, manual testing can take several hours and involve the risk of connection errors.
Rohde & Schwarz takes-on compliance verification for PCI Express 5.0 and 6.0 cables and connectors by automating the process with a ZNrun vector network analyzer automation suite option.
ZNrun-K440 is based on the ZNB26 or ZNB43 vector network analyzer with four test ports in combination with several OSP320 open switch and control platforms -- depending on the number of the DUT lanes for verification -- to provide several four-port measurements, all without reconnecting to the DUT and repeatedly terminating the other lanes.
A PCI Express x8 cable, for example, has 16 lanes and requires 64 test ports, provided by three OSP320 platforms, while a PCI Express x4 cable needs 32 test ports from two OSP320 platforms.
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ZNrun-K440 automates all measurements of cables and connectors in line with the PCI Express specification. Post processing of defined PCI Express metrices also is covered. A test configurator lets test items be selected and deselected by lane for greater flexibility in meeting customer needs and preferences in research and verification testing.
A test report with a pass/fail verdict is generated at the end of the automated measurement. The automation features a calibration procedure, which significantly reduces number of calibration steps and calibration connections. It also includes a method for de-embedding of the test fixture as required in the PCI Express test specifications.
For more information contact Rohde & Schwarz online at www.rohde-schwarz.com.
