LeCroy Introduces Differential Probe System for Analysis of Today’s Fastest Serial Data Signals

D11000PS Integrates with SDA 11000 Serial Data Analyzer to Form Industry-leading Serial Analysis Test System

Chestnut Ridge, NY, August 15, 2005: LeCroy Corporation, a leader in serial data test solutions, introduces the D11000PS Active Differential Probe System that provides 11 GHz overall system bandwidth at the probe tip when connected with the LeCroy SDA 110000 Serial Data Analyzer. Featuring an innovative signal acquisition method, the D11000PS probe can be integrated with the SDA 11000 analyzer to create a full-featured serial data analysis system capable of acquiring and analyzing today's fastest serial data signals, including 5 Gb/s 2nd generation PCI Express, 6 Gb/s SATA III, 4.25 Gb/s Fibre Channel, and 4.8 GB/s FB-DIMM.

The D11000PS is designed with dedicated tip modules that support two physical interconnects to the test circuit. A direct solder-in tip allows attachment directly to circuit components and gives users the flexibility to connect the probe directly to components, such as SERDES, in high-speed serial data systems, while maintaining maximum waveform fidelity. The second tip is an SMA input that can be used for direct-cabled applications, such as serial data compliance test fixtures.

Acquiring a cabled differential signal with the SMA cabled probe, rather than using waveform math with a pair of channels offers several advantages. It allows the second channel to be used to acquire a different signal. Secondly, the signal acquisition method provides better common mode rejection and allows stable triggering on the signal of interest, rather than the common mode noise. Finally, the direct-cabled probe eliminates the need to deskew the cable lengths and precisely match the input cable losses.

Both input connection styles have similar performance. The system bandwidth with the SDA 11000 is 11 GHz and the system rise time is 50 ps. Designed for acquiring the highest speed signals, the D11000PS has low attenuation to maintain resolution and minimize noise. The dynamic (differential mode) range is +/- 1 V, while the common mode range is fixed at +/- 4 V. The solder-in version of the probe has a high 25k ohm DC input resistance on each input. The SMA input version has a fixed 50-ohm input impedance.

The D11000PS maintains the minimal circuit loading and overall strong performance achieved by LeCroy's family of differential probes. It employs digital response compensation for frequency and time domains. The compensation system supporting the D11000PS is part of the SDA 11000 core software. While the D11000PS is a modular probe system, all of the components are provided in one product code. This eliminates the need to purchase separate probe bodies and tip modules.

The D11000PS probe system includes the probe body, dedicated tip modules for the SMA and solder-in input connections, two solder-in interconnect leads, and a pair of DC blocks to eliminate the common mode loading when using the SMA cabled input. Also included in the system are several probe positioning and clamping accessories to facilitate attachment and retention of the solder-in interconnect lead in the test circuit.

A four-channel, digital oscilloscope-based, serial data analyzer, the SDA 11000 has an 11 GHz bandwidth and provides acquisition at sample rates as high as 40 GS/s into the longest memories available in any high bandwidth digital oscilloscope – 100 million points per channel. The SDA 11000 is designed for engineers who must accurately measure serial data signals to 6.25 Gb/s and beyond.

About LeCroy

LeCroy Corporation is a worldwide leader in serial data test solutions, creating advanced instruments that drive product innovation by quickly measuring, analyzing and verifying complex electronic signals. The Company offers high-performance oscilloscopes, serial data analyzers and global communications protocol test solutions used by design engineers in the computer and semiconductor, data storage device, automotive and industrial, and military and aerospace markets. LeCroy's 40-year heritage of technical innovation is the foundation for its recognized leadership in "WaveShape Analysis" - capturing, viewing and measuring the high-speed signals that drive today's information and communications technologies. LeCroy is headquartered in Chestnut Ridge, New York. Company information is available at http://www.lecroy.com.