Multi-Lane Handshake Log Recording for Error Rate Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing error rate measuring apparatuses struggle to simultaneously record and display log data of state transitions during handshakes involving multiple lanes in high-speed serial bus standards like PCIe and USB, particularly in USB 3.2's two-lane mode, making it difficult to analyze failure causes in multi-lane handshakes.
Innovation Solution
An error rate measuring apparatus and method that includes a pattern generator and error detector capable of transmitting test signals to a device under test in a signal pattern return state, with a log recording unit to record and display log data of state transitions across multiple lanes, including states where one lane waits for another to satisfy state transition conditions, facilitating efficient debugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the error rate measuring apparatus uses a simple display function for handshake state transitions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to record and display log data for multiple lanes simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the log recording function by lane, with each lane having its own log recording unit that independently records state transition information. This allows simultaneous recording across multiple lanes without requiring a completely new system architecture, thus reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The log recording unit is designed to handle multiple lanes universally, recording state transition information for Lane 0, Lane 1, and other lanes through a unified mechanism. This multi-functional approach enables the apparatus to monitor complex multi-lane handshakes without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus records detailed log data for each lane's state transition, then the measurement precision and debugging capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus preliminarily defines and prepares the log data structure before actual measurement occurs. By pre-establishing the format and fields for state transition logging, the system avoids complex real-time processing during measurement, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified representation or copy of the complex handshake state transitions in the form of structured log data. This copying approach allows detailed recording of multi-lane state transitions without directly managing the full complexity of the original handshake protocol in the measurement apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus displays time-line information of state transitions, then the ease of operation for debugging is improved, but the ability to simultaneously display multi-lane log data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus adds a dimensional aspect to the display by organizing log data in a structured format that accommodates multiple lanes simultaneously. Instead of displaying lanes sequentially or separately, the system creates a multi-dimensional representation where time-line information for Lane 0, Lane 1, and other lanes can be viewed concurrently, enhancing both ease of operation and information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An error rate measuring apparatus detects a bit error of input data returned from a device under test with transmission of a test signal at an error detector, and includes a log recording unit that records log data of state transition of each lane by handshakes of a plurality of lanes in a predetermined communication standard with respect to the device under test in making the device under test transit to a state of LOOPBACK, and a display unit that displays the recorded log data of the state transition of each lane in a time-series order.