Don’t Wait…Bifurcate!
Analyzer Bifurcation enables simultaneous multiple tests by multiple remote users
so your testing can be completed faster
Traditionally, PCI Express® protocol analysis is performed with one user conducting a single test on a dedicated, single function Analyzer. Now, multiple users can log into one VIAVI Xgig® 5P16 or 5P8 Analyzer at the same time to perform simultaneous independent tests. Users don’t have to be in the same physical location as the Analyzer either. They can log in remotely, from anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to a network. The graphic below is an example of a 16-lane Analyzer bifurcated into four independent links for separate simultaneous tests by multiple users.
Port bifurcation isn’t a new concept. Recognizing the value of this to PCI Express analysis, VIAVI has incorporated this feature into our PCIe®5 test equipment platforms. Bifurcation works by dividing a port that is normally one link into two or more links. A VIAVI Xgig 5P8 can be bifurcated into two links of 4-lanes each—and a 5P16 can be bifurcated into two links of 8-lanes each or four links of 4-lanes each.
Enhanced capabilities increase potential testing configurations
The ability to accommodate multiple users, locally or remotely on the same platform conducting simultaneous procedures, enables a large set of possible test configurations. For example, multiple PCIe links may be tested together from the same Analyzer chassis by one or more users at the same time. This provides additional operational and cost efficiencies, return on investment, and application flexibility.
Increased Analyzer productivity reduces time-to-market and lowers overall TCO
Lower acquisition costs
Several factors lead to lower acquisition and operational costs. Bifurcation, in effect, creates multiple independent Analyzers on each bifurcated chassis—one for each new link—and may eliminate the need for additional Analyzer chassis investment to perform required tests.
Reduced cost-per-test/cost-per-user metrics
Bifurcation and remote Simultaneous Multi-User functionality promote greater usage of an Analyzer’s overall capacity resulting in increased equipment productivity. Simultaneous Multi-User capability creates an environment where more tests can be performed by more users over time on a single chassis for lower cost-per-user and cost-per-test.
Accelerated time-to-market
Xgig multi-functional Analyzers create operational efficiencies that are difficult to match with single-function devices. This enables users to streamline configuration and debug processes so products and components get through testing and to market faster.
Equipment optimization for reduced ownership costs
A flexible, software-defined platform like the 5P16 and 5P8 simplifies equipment management, reducing the amount of administrative effort needed to allocate and monitor independent hardware modules. Remote access reduces the need for equipment to be in the same labs or offices as the actual users. Centralized equipment can often be configured, tracked, allocated and serviced more efficiently. Finally, software upgrades can be provided faster and more economically than hardware modules—and can be added at any time, enabling managers to conserve funds until the upgrade is required.
Configuring a complete PCIe5 protocol analysis system
The VIAVI PCIe 5.0 platform consists of Protocol Analyzer Chassis, Exerciser Host Test Stand, Exerciser Software Module, Jammer Software Module and a range of popular Interposers. Similar to other VIAVI platforms, our PCIe5 chassis is supported by the Xgig tool suite including TraceControl, Expert™, TraceView and Serialytics™. The platform supports Analyzer, Exerciser and Jammer functions on the same 5P16 chassis for additional versatility. The 5P16 also accommodates alternate protocols like CXL and NVMe, and others. Look for more about these products and features in future blogs.
