PCIe Lane Margin Testing Automation for Multi-Lane Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal integrity testing methods for PCIe lanes are inefficient, labor-intensive, and prone to human error due to the need for manual configuration and result consolidation, particularly when testing multiple lanes or devices.
Innovation Solution
A lane margin testing process that generates instruction files and an auto-run file to automate the testing of multiple PCIe lanes, allowing automatic execution of test instructions and systematic result storage, reducing the need for continuous monitoring and re-entering commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and execution of test instructions is used for each PCIe lane, then testing can be performed, but testing efficiency is low and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process by generating separate instruction files for each PCIe lane based on lane information. Each instruction file contains specific test instructions for a corresponding lane, allowing organized and automated execution of multiple lane tests without manual intervention for each lane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating all necessary instruction files and an auto-run file before actual testing begins. The auto-run file is created in advance to automatically execute all test instructions, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the testing process.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring and command re-entry is required for each test, then testing can be completed, but time is lost and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by creating an auto-run file that automatically executes all test instructions without requiring human monitoring or intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously running through all PCIe lane tests, eliminating manual operations that cause time loss and potential human errors.
3Ease of operation
If test instructions are executed without automation, then flexibility is maintained, but operational simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves operational simplicity through preliminary automation by generating an auto-run file that encapsulates all test execution logic. This pre-configured automation file simplifies the operation to a single execution command while maintaining the flexibility of customized test instructions for each PCIe lane.
Data Source
AI summary
A lane margin testing method for testing a plurality of Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) lanes of an electronic system includes storing test software in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of the electronic system; generating a plurality of instruction files based on information of the plurality of PCIe lanes and storing the plurality of instruction files in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein each of the plurality of instruction files includes a plurality of test instructions for a corresponding PCIe lane; and generating an auto-run file based on the plurality of instruction files and storing the auto-run file in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the auto-run file is used to instruct the test software to execute the plurality of test instructions recorded in each instruction file of the plurality of instruction files.