Clamp for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backboard Rx test

Abstract

The invention provides a clamp for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backboard Rx test, which comprises a bit error tester, an SAS / SATA test adapter and a backboard, the backboard is connected to an SAS / SATA controller, the bit error tester is used for sending a scrambling test signal to the SAS / SATA controller through the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backboard in sequence, and the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backboard are connected with the SAS / SATA controller. And the backboard is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester through a coaxial line so as to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error tester, so that the accuracy and the efficiency of the Rx test are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of high-speed signal interface, and in particular relates to a fixture for testing SAS or SATA plug-in cards and backplane Rx. Background Art

[0002] SAS RX test usually includes two scenarios. The first scenario is the SAS RX test of the front backplane containing SAS Expander. The scrambled signal is sent by the transmitter of the BER tester, and then reaches the receiver of the SAS Expander via the coaxial cable, test adapter (SAS Std. Test Fixture, also known as SAS Plug Test Adapter), backplane hard disk connector, backplane wiring, backplane SAS / SATA connector, SAS / SATA cable, front backplane SAS / SATA connector, and front backplane wiring. The second scenario is the SAS RX test of the PCIE card containing SASController. The scrambled signal reaches the receiver of the SAS / SATA controller via the coaxial cable, SAS Std. Test Fixture, backplane hard disk connector, backplane wiring, backplane SAS / SATA connector, SAS / SATA cable, PCIe card SAS / SATA connector, and wiring on the PCIe card.

[0003] In the above two scenarios, the scrambled damaged bit stream that reaches the SAS Expander or SAS controller receiver is restored after equalization (bit errors have already occurred at this time). Its loopback path is sent to the bit error meter for decoding and comparison after equalization through the Controller or Expander's Transmitter to calculate the bit error rate. Given that the bit error has already occurred when it is received by the Controller or Expander, the ideal return path should be a lossless link to the bit error meter. However, due to the limitations of the product card form, the return path of the first scenario will be the front backplane wiring, front backplane SAS / SATA connector, SAS / SATA cable, backplane SAS / SATA connector, backplane wiring, backplane hard disk connector, SAS Std. Test Fixture, and coaxial cable. The return path of the second scenario is the routing on the PCIe card, the PCIe card SAS / SATA connector, the SAS / SATA cable, the backplane SAS / SATA connector, the backplane routing, the backplane hard disk connector, the SAS Std. Test Fixture, the coaxial cable, and reaches the receiver end of the bit error tester. After passing through this long link, the bit stream that has already had bit errors at the Controller or Expander receiver end is damaged again. After equalization decoding by the bit error tester Receiver, new bit errors may be introduced, thus affecting the test accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of bit error rate testing during the testing process.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present application, a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing is provided, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, the bit error tester is used to send a scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA controller is further directly connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester via a coaxial line to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error tester.

[0006] In an optional implementation manner, the bit error tester and the SAS / SATA test adapter are connected via a coaxial cable, and the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane are connected via a backplane hard disk connector.

[0007] In an optional implementation manner, the backplane and the SAS / SATA controller are connected in sequence via a backplane SAS / SATA connector and a SAS / SATA cable.

[0008] In an optional implementation manner, a transfer point is provided on the SAS / SATA cable, one end of the coaxial line is connected to the transfer point, and the other end of the coaxial line is connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present application, a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing is provided, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane and a rear backplane, wherein the front backplane is connected to a SAS expander, and the bit error tester is used to send a scrambled test signal to the SAS expander via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence, and the front backplane is further directly connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester via a coaxial line to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS expander to the bit error tester.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present application, a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing is provided, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, the bit error tester is used to send a scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester via an amplifier ReDriver, so as to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error tester.

[0011] In an optional implementation manner, the bit error tester and the SAS / SATA test adapter are connected via a coaxial cable, and the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane are connected via a backplane hard disk connector.

[0012] In an optional implementation manner, the SAS / SATA test adapter and the bit error tester are respectively connected to the amplifier ReDriver via PCB conductors.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present application, a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing is provided, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane and a rear backplane, wherein the rear backplane is connected to a SAS expander, and the bit error tester is used to send an scrambled test signal to the SAS expander via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester via an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS expander and return it to the bit error tester.

[0014] Compared with the related art, the technical solution of the present application has at least the following advantages:

[0015] The present application can adjust and eliminate bit errors in the test signal loop according to the test environment and conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the Rx test of the IC chip under test during use.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or be understood by practicing the present application. The purpose and other advantages of the present application can be realized and obtained through the structures and processes indicated in the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the related technical descriptions are briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the drawings described below are certain embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a test scenario of the related technology.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a SAS / SATA plug-in card and a backplane Rx clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a SAS / SATA plug-in card and a backplane Rx clamp according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a SAS / SATA plug-in card and a backplane Rx clamp of another exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a test scenario of the related technology. The dotted line path is the signal path for the IC under test to send the analysis signal to the bit error tester. The result of this test is the bit error rate as an evaluation indicator, and the complexity of this path will bring new bit errors to the test results, resulting in inaccurate test results.

[0024] Based on the above analysis, in order to reduce the complexity of the signal path from the IC under test sending the analysis signal to the bit error meter, this application provides a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing, using the coaxial line as the path of the return signal, and the coaxial line has very little impact on the signal. Through repeated practice, testing and optimization, the signal integrity of the connection between the coaxial line and the backplane is achieved, and with the help of professional testing equipment, the precise equal length and the same process are guaranteed to achieve phase matching and calibration of the two coaxial lines sent by the Expander or Controller sending end. The return link is connected to the test system to complete the final confirmation of the return link bit error rate, and the RX full-project test verification of the complete communication protocol is realized.

[0025] See also Figure 2 In a first aspect, the present application exemplarily provides a fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, including a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter (SAS Std. Test Fixture) and a backplane. The bit error tester is connected to the SAS Std. Test Fixture via a coaxial cable, the SAS Std. Test Fixture is connected to the backplane via a backplane hard disk connector, and the backplane and the SAS / SATA connector are connected via a SAS / SATA cable. The backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller. The bit error tester is used to send a scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS Std. Test Fixture and the backplane in sequence.

[0026] The SAS / SATA controller is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester via a coaxial line, so as to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error tester.

[0027] For example, to reduce the complexity of the return link, Figure 2 At the transfer point, a low-loss coaxial line is used to replace the original path. One end of the coaxial line is connected to the transfer point, and the other end of the coaxial line is connected to the bit error tester to optimize the return path. The test is completed using the bit error analysis capability of the IC under test.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the return path may use a conductor made of other materials, such as a printed circuit board PCB.

[0029] See also Figure 3 In a second aspect, the present application exemplarily provides a fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, including a bit error tester, a SAS Std. Test Fixture, a front backplane and a rear backplane. The bit error tester and the SAS Std. Test Fixture are connected via a coaxial cable, the SAS Std. Test Fixture and the rear backplane are connected via a rear backplane hard disk connector, and the rear backplane and the front backplane are connected in sequence via the rear backplane SAS / SATA connector, the SAS / SATA cable, and the front backplane SAS / SATA connector. The front backplane is connected to a SAS expander. The bit error tester is used to send an scrambled test signal to a SAS expander via the SAS Std. Test Fixture, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence. Among them, the front backplane is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester via a coaxial line to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS expander to the bit error tester.

[0030] In a third aspect, the present application exemplarily provides a fixture for SAS / SATA plug-in card and backplane Rx testing, including a bit error tester, a SAS Std. Test Fixture and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, and the bit error tester is used to send an scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS Std. Test Fixture and the backplane in sequence, and the SAS Std. Test Fixture is further connected to a receiving end of the bit error tester through an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error tester.

[0031] Exemplarily, the SAS Std. Test Fixture is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester through an amplifier ReDriver, so as to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller and return the amplified signal to the bit error tester.

[0032] For example, Figure 4As shown, the receiving signal output by the SAS Std. Test Fixture is input into the re-driver ReDriver for amplification: the signal output by the ReDriver is then input into the bit error tester for analysis to complete the bit error rate test.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, the present application exemplarily provides a fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, including a bit error tester, a SAS Std. Test Fixture, a front backplane and a rear backplane. The bit error tester and the SAS Std. Test Fixture are connected via a coaxial cable, the SAS Std. Test Fixture and the rear backplane are connected via a rear backplane hard disk connector, and the rear backplane and the front backplane are connected in sequence via a rear backplane SAS / SATA connector, a SAS / SATA cable, and a front backplane SAS / SATA connector. The rear backplane is connected to a SAS expander. The bit error tester is used to send a scrambled test signal to the SAS expander via the SAS Std. Test Fixture, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the return path may use a conductor made of other materials, such as PCB.

[0035] It can be seen that the technical solution exemplarily provided in the present application can adjust and eliminate the bit errors of the test signal loop according to the test environment and conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the Rx test of the IC chip under test during use.

[0036] It is understood that the structures, names and parameters described in the above embodiments are only examples. Those skilled in the art can also easily think of combinations and adjustments to the structural features of the above embodiments according to the use requirements, and should not limit the concept of the present application to the specific details of the above examples.

[0037] Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that he or she may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, characterized in that: The bit error tester is used to send the scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA controller is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester via a coaxial line to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error tester.

2. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bit error tester is connected to the SAS / SATA test adapter via a coaxial cable, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is connected to the backplane via a backplane hard disk connector.

3. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The backplane and the SAS / SATA controller are connected in sequence through a backplane SAS / SATA connector and a SAS / SATA cable.

4. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The SAS / SATA cable is provided with a transfer point, one end of the coaxial line is connected to the transfer point, and the other end of the coaxial line is connected to the receiving end of the bit error meter.

5. A fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane and a rear backplane, wherein the front backplane is connected to a SAS expander, characterized in that: The bit error tester is used to send the scrambled test signal to the SAS expander via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence, and the front backplane is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error tester through a coaxial line to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS expander to the bit error tester.

6. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front backplane and the rear backplane are connected via a SAS / SATA cable.

7. The fixture for testing SAS / SATA cards and backplane Rx according to claim 6, characterized in that: The SAS / SATA cable is provided with a transfer point, one end of the coaxial line is connected to the transfer point, and the other end of the coaxial line is connected to the receiving end of the bit error meter.

8. A fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, characterized in that: The bit error meter is used to send the scrambled test signal to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error meter through an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error meter.

9. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bit error tester is connected to the SAS / SATA test adapter via a coaxial cable, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is connected to the backplane via a backplane hard disk connector.

10. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The SAS / SATA test adapter and the bit error tester are respectively connected to the amplifier ReDriver through PCB conductors.

11. A fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing, comprising a bit error tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane and a rear backplane, wherein the rear backplane is connected to a SAS expander, characterized in that: The bit error meter is used to send the scrambled test signal to the SAS expander via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane and the front backplane in sequence, and the SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error meter through an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS expander and return it to the bit error meter.

12. The fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing according to claim 11, characterized in that: The SAS / SATA test adapter and the bit error tester are respectively connected to the amplifier ReDriver through PCB conductors.

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