PCIe Decode

• PCI Express Gen 1.x, 2.0, and 3.0 (Vs. 0.7) compatible
• Decode up to two bidirectional lanes, or four lanes in one direction
• Link layer protocol decode
• Speed change compatible
• Recognizes scrambled or unscrambled data
• Color-coded decode overlaid on the waveform is intuitive and easy to read
• Decode information expands as the timebase is adjusted or zoomed
• Convenient table display with quick “zoom to message” capability
• Quick search capability for specific link layer frames

Oscilloscopes are the preferred tool for the hardware engineer, but have been of limited utility in interpreting serial data protocols. Protocol Analyzers are powerful, but don’t show physical layer waveforms. The PCIe decode option for Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscopes provides link layer decode information annotated on the PCIe Gen 1.x, 2.0 or 3.0 physical layer waveform. This provides the ability to view protocol traffic on the oscilloscope and verify that the link is alive and transmitting properly. It also aids in debugging problems that are not solely analog or digital in nature, such as interoperability issues, uncertain error causes, and physical layer issues not evident with a Protocol Analyzer.

Various sections of the protocol are color-coded to make it easy to understand. Decode annotation information condenses or expands depending on the timebase/zoom ratio setting. Additionally, 8b/10b decode annotation (a separate option) may also be applied for symbol level debugging. The decode operation is fast—even with long acquisitions.

Long oscilloscope acquisition memory provides long capture times of PCIe transmissions. Decoded information is conveniently shown in a table format, and specific frame types may be searched for. In addition, table data may be exported as a .csv file.

To support the range of users, from PCIe Gen 1.x to 3.0, the option is available on a wide range of oscilloscope models with real-time bandwidths from 2.5 GHz to 30 GHz.