Device handshaking at up to 32 Gb/s with protocol awareness
Provides tools needed to visualize the link training process.

Tektronix has launched a BERT instrument supporting 32 Gb/s protocol recognition. The new Tektronix BSX Series BERTScope can characterize receivers in third- and fourth-generation system devices, and features link training capabilities for RX testing and convenient features for debugging bit error rate issues, reducing measurement times.

As fourth-generation high-speed serial signaling systems, such as PCIe 4.0, USB3.1, and SAS4, become increasingly complex and fast, testing becomes increasingly difficult, as entering test mode itself becomes difficult without protocol handshaking between the instrument and the device under test. The BSX series provides the tools and flexibility needed to visualize and control the handshaking and link training processes for devices running up to 32 Gb/s through its protocol-aware capabilities.



Supporting data rates up to 12.5 Gb/s, 24 Gb/s, and 32 Gb/s, the BSX series is ideal for the numerous test cases required by the 4th generation standard, as it simultaneously provides tools to automate compliance testing. It also serves as a receiver test tool that continuously records the context (timing, bit position) of each bit error. Sophisticated error analysis tools, such as pattern sensitivity and forward error correction emulation, use this information to help identify the factors contributing to bit errors.

“When problems arise during receiver testing, customers need more than just a test suite,” said Brian Reich, general manager for high-performance oscilloscopes at Tektronix. “They need tools that can identify the root cause of the problem, translate complex results into reliable measurements, reduce test times, and help them meet project schedules.”

Receiver testing goes beyond simply measuring bit error rates. It also requires understanding why specific bit error rates are occurring or why handshaking failures occur. The BSX series captures the precise location and timing of bit errors, providing unique visibility into the root cause of physical layer issues.