Reduces DisplayPort Conformance Test Time from up to 16 Hours to Less than 6 Hours

Tektronix has announced a new DisplayPort Type-C transmitter test solution.

The upgraded solution significantly reduces conformance test time compared to the previous Tektronix DisplayPort solution as well as equivalent products from competitors. According to actual field evaluations, this solution is highly optimized to work with Tektronix high-performance oscilloscopes, enabling engineers to complete DisplayPort Type-C conformance testing in under 6 hours using this solution. This represents remarkable execution speed compared to competing products that require up to 16 hours.

One of the biggest challenges in DisplayPort conformance testing is the lengthy test duration, during which engineers must spend considerable time sitting in front of test equipment monitoring the execution process. In addition to this issue, testing for DisplayPort Type-C, which is supported as one of the alternate modes in the USB 3.1 specification, had to be integrated.

The newly announced Tektronix DisplayPort test solution includes complete automation as well as shortened test times, along with automated test configuration that allows tests to be performed without user intervention, timer pop-ups, and integrated support for Type-C specifications.

Brian Reich, General Manager for Tektronix High-Performance Oscilloscopes, stated, "For engineers facing pressure to launch new product designs under tight schedules and budgets, reducing test and measurement time can be a critical factor for market success. With this solution, we can give our customers back time to focus more on DisplayPort design. Now customers can select the tests they want to perform and work on other tasks while the tests are running."

One of the key features in this announcement is the introduction of the DPOJET measurement library, which helps with semiconductor characterization and debugging. When a test fails during the conformance testing process, the DPOJET DisplayPort measurement library can be used to conduct an in-depth analysis of the root cause of eye diagram mask hit failures, and to identify the relationship between pre-emphasis level and voltage swing test variations for root cause analysis. Additionally, this solution provides users with the flexibility to configure measurements with different settings, modify existing measurement configurations on the fly, and perform tests in single-shot mode or free-run repetitive mode.

The DisplayPort TX automated solution uses the TekExpress framework, an advanced tool designed for automation, to support conformance testing for DisplayPort 1.2 Type-C specifications and CTS. The backend automation engine is based on IronPython, which uses socket-based programming and .NET remote capabilities. The socket-based scripting interface serves as a de facto standard, allowing engineers to integrate Tektronix automated solutions into their automation environments.

Using the TekExpress framework, the DUT (Device Under Test) can be configured through a simplified user interface using a single panel. Additionally, it includes automated DUT support functionality using the Unigraf DPR-100 reference sink auxiliary controller. Enhanced reporting option features allow reports to be generated in .html, .mht, .pdf, and .csv formats. When recording data in .csv format, live and offline waveform analysis capabilities can be used to collect results and conduct in-depth analysis of system operation.