A fixture for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx testing

Abstract

The application provides a clamp for SAS / SATA card and backplane Rx test, comprising a bit error instrument, a SAS / SATA test adapter and a backplane, the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, the bit error instrument is used for transmitting a scrambling test signal to the SAS / SATA controller in sequence via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane, and the backplane is further directly connected to a receiving end of the bit error instrument through a coaxial line to directly return Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error instrument, and the application improves the accuracy and efficiency of the Rx test.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of high-speed signal interface technology, and specifically relates to a fixture for testing SAS or SATA plug-in cards and backplane Rx. Background Technology

[0002] SAS RX testing typically involves two scenarios. The first scenario involves testing a front-backplane SAS RX system containing a SAS Expander. The scrambled signal is emitted from the transmitter of the bit error rate tester, and travels sequentially through a coaxial cable, the test adapter (SAS Std. Test Fixture, also known as the SAS Plug Test Adapter), the rear-backplane hard drive connector, rear-backplane traces, the rear-backplane SAS / SATA connector, the SAS / SATA cable, the front-backplane SAS / SATA connector, and more traces to reach the receiver of the SAS Expander. The second scenario involves testing a PCIe card containing a SAS Controller. In this scenario, the scrambled signal travels sequentially through a coaxial cable, the SAS Std. Test Fixture, the rear-plane hard drive connector, the rear-plane traces, the rear-plane SAS / SATA connector, the SAS / SATA cable, the PCIe card SAS / SATA connector, and more traces on the PCIe card to reach the receiver of the SAS / SATA controller.

[0003] In both scenarios described above, the scrambled and damaged bitstream arriving at the SAS Expander or SAS controller receiver is restored to a digital bitstream after equalization (at which point bit errors have already occurred). The loopback path involves equalization via the Controller or Expander's Transmitter, followed by transmission to the bit error rate analyzer for decoding and comparison to calculate the bit error rate. Since bit errors occur at the Controller or Expander receiver, the ideal return path should be a lossless link to the bit error rate analyzer. However, due to limitations in the product card form factor, the return path in the first scenario will sequentially be: front backplane traces, front backplane SAS / SATA connector, SAS / SATA cable, rear backplane SAS / SATA connector, rear backplane traces, rear backplane hard drive connector, SAS Std. Test Fixture, and coaxial cable. The return path in the second scenario is as follows: PCIe card traces, PCIe card SAS / SATA connector, SAS / SATA cable, backplane SAS / SATA connector, backplane traces, backplane hard drive connector, SAS Std. Test Fixture, coaxial cable, and finally to the Receiver of the bit error rate tester. After passing through this long link, the bit stream that has already experienced bit errors at the Controller or Expander receiver is further damaged. After being equalized and decoded by the bit error rate tester's Receiver, new bit errors may be introduced, thus affecting the test accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a fixture for testing SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplane Rx, which aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of bit error rate testing during the testing process.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes is provided, including a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, and a backplane, wherein the backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller, the bit error rate tester is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane to the SAS / SATA controller, and the SAS / SATA controller is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via a coaxial cable to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller to the bit error rate tester.

[0006] In an optional implementation, the bit error rate 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 drive connector.

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

[0008] In an optional implementation, the SAS / SATA cable is provided with an adapter point, one end of the coaxial cable is connected to the adapter point, and the other end of the coaxial cable is connected to the receiver of the bit error rate tester.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this application, a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes is provided, including a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane, and a rear backplane. The front backplane is connected to a SAS extender. The bit error rate tester is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially to the SAS extender via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane, and the front backplane. The front backplane is further directly connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via a coaxial cable to directly return the Rx test data of the SAS extender to the bit error rate tester.

[0010] According to a third aspect of this application, a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes is provided, including a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, and a backplane. The backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller. The bit error rate tester is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane. The SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via an amplifier (ReDriver) to amplify the Rx test data from the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error rate tester.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the bit error rate 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 drive connector.

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

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes is provided, including a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane, and a rear backplane. The rear backplane is connected to a SAS extender. The bit error rate tester is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially to the SAS extender via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane, and the front backplane. The SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via an amplifier (ReDriver) to amplify the Rx test data from the SAS extender and return it to the bit error rate tester.

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

[0015] This 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 Rx testing of the IC chip under test in use.

[0016] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures and processes shown in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a test scenario for related technologies.

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

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an Rx fixture structure for SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes, which is another exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an Rx fixture structure for SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes, which is another exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a test scenario for related technologies. The dashed line represents the signal path from the IC under test (IDT) sending the parsing signal to the bit error rate (BER) meter. The result of this test is evaluated using the bit error rate (BER). However, the complexity of this path can introduce new bit errors into the test results, leading to inaccuracy.

[0024] Based on the above analysis, to reduce the complexity of the signal path from the IC under test (IC) to the bit error rate tester (BERT), this application provides a fixture for SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplane Rx testing. The fixture uses a coaxial cable as the return signal path, as the coaxial cable has minimal impact on the signal. Through repeated practice, testing, and optimization, signal integrity at the coaxial cable and backplane connection is achieved. Professional testing equipment ensures precise length matching and identical manufacturing processes, enabling phase matching and calibration of the two coaxial cables transmitted from the expander or controller. The return link is then connected to the test system to finalize the return link bit error rate, achieving full-item RX testing and verification of the complete communication protocol.

[0025] See Figure 2 This application, in its first aspect, exemplarily provides a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes, including a bit error rate tester (BERT), a SAS / SATA test adapter (SAS Std.Test Fixture), and a backplane. The BERT and the SAS Std.Test Fixture are connected via a coaxial cable, the SAS Std.Test Fixture and the backplane are connected via a backplane hard drive 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 BERT is used to transmit scrambled test signals sequentially via the SAS Std.Test Fixture and the backplane to the SAS / SATA controller.

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

[0027] For example, to reduce the complexity of the return link, in Figure 2 At the transfer point, a low-loss coaxial cable is used instead of the original path. One end of the coaxial cable is connected at the transfer point, and the other end is connected to a bit error rate analyzer, thus optimizing the return path. The test is completed using the bit error rate analysis capability of the IC under test itself.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the return path may use conductors of other materials, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0029] See Figure 3 This application, in a second aspect, exemplarily provides a fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes, including a bit error rate tester (BERT), a SAS Std.Test Fixture, a front backplane, and a rear backplane. The BERT 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 drive connector, and the rear backplane and the front backplane are connected sequentially via a rear backplane SAS / SATA connector, a SAS / SATA cable, and a front backplane SAS / SATA connector. The front backplane is connected to a SAS extender. The BERT is used to transmit scrambled test signals sequentially via the SAS Std.Test Fixture, the rear backplane, and the front backplane to the SAS extender. The front backplane is further directly connected to the receiving end of the BERT via a coaxial cable to directly return the Rx test data from the SAS extender to the BERT.

[0030] This application provides, in a third aspect, an exemplary fixture for Rx testing of SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplanes, including a bit error rate tester (BERT), a SAS Std.Test Fixture, and a backplane. The backplane is connected to a SAS / SATA controller. The BERT is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS Std.Test Fixture and the backplane. The SAS Std.Test Fixture is further connected to the receiving end of the BERT via an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data from the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the BERT.

[0031] For example, the SAS Std.Test Fixture is further connected to the receiver of the bit error rate tester via an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the Rx test data of the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error rate tester.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, the received signal output from the SAS Std.Test Fixture is input to the ReDriver for amplification; the signal output from the ReDriver is then input to the bit error rate analyzer for analysis, thus completing the bit error rate test.

[0033] This application, in a fourth aspect, exemplarily provides a fixture for testing SAS / SATA expansion cards and backplane Rx, including a bit error rate tester (BERT), a SAS Std.Test Fixture, a front backplane, and a rear backplane. The BERT and the SAS Std.Test Fixture are connected via a coaxial cable, and the SAS Std.Test Fixture and the rear backplane are connected via a rear backplane hard drive connector. The rear backplane and the front backplane are connected sequentially 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 BERT is used to transmit scrambled test signals sequentially via the SAS Std.Test Fixture, the rear backplane, and the front backplane to the SAS expander.

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

[0035] As can be seen, the technical solution provided by this application can adjust and eliminate the bit error rate of the test signal loop according to the test environment and conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of Rx testing of the IC chip under test in use.

[0036] It is understood that the structures, names, and parameters described in the above embodiments are merely examples. Those skilled in the art can also make readily conceived combinations and adjustments to the structural features of the above embodiments according to their needs, and the concept of this application should not be limited to the specific details of the above examples.

[0037] Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; 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 this application.

Claims

1. A fixture for testing SAS / SATA controllers and backplanes, comprising a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, and a backplane connected to the SAS / SATA controller, characterized in that, The bit error rate tester is used to send the scrambled test signal sequentially to the SAS / SATA controller via the SAS / SATA test adapter and the backplane. The SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via an amplifier ReDriver to amplify the received test data from the SAS / SATA controller and return it to the bit error rate tester, thereby eliminating bit errors in the test signal loop. The bit error rate 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 drive connector.

2. The fixture for testing SAS / SATA controllers and backplane receivers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The SAS / SATA test adapter and the bit error rate tester are respectively connected to the amplifier ReDriver via PCB conductors.

3. A fixture for testing SAS / SATA extenders and backplane receivers, comprising a bit error rate tester, a SAS / SATA test adapter, a front backplane, and a rear backplane, wherein the front backplane is connected to the SAS extender, characterized in that, The bit error rate tester is used to send scrambled test signals sequentially to the SAS extender via the SAS / SATA test adapter, the rear backplane, and the front backplane. The SAS / SATA test adapter is further connected to the receiving end of the bit error rate tester via an amplifier (ReDriver) to amplify the received test data from the SAS extender and return it to the bit error rate tester, thereby eliminating bit errors in the test signal loop. The bit error rate tester and the SAS / SATA test adapter are connected via a coaxial cable, and the SAS / SATA test adapter and the rear backplane are connected via a rear backplane hard drive connector.

4. The fixture for testing SAS / SATA expanders and backplane receivers according to claim 3, characterized in that, The SAS / SATA test adapter and the bit error rate tester are respectively connected to the amplifier ReDriver via PCB conductors.

Images