LeCroy Introduces BitTracer™ To Combine Features of Logic Analyzers and Protocol Analyzers

LeCroy Corporation, a leading supplier of oscilloscopes and serial data test solutions, today announced the introduction of the BitTracer, an optional software package that runs on the PETracer™ Gen2 Summit PCI Express Protocol Analyzer. BitTracer offers developers a physical layer view of PCI Express traffic, similar to what might be displayed on a logic analyzer, but provides this capability on a protocol analyzer. This means that developers can view bit stream traffic before it is decoded to high-level packets, to better understand where signal integrity issues may be causing data corruption.

Typical product development in the lab often requires both a logic analyzer and protocol analyzer to work in tandem to solve issues. Unfortunately, logic analyzers may need to be repeatedly taken off and laboriously hooked back up to make measurements. The BitTracer helps eliminate this problem by having one piece of equipment that can display the logic analyzer state listing (as the logic analyzer does), but still show the high-level packet information that a protocol analyzer does. Symbol, 10b, scrambled, or unscrambled data can be viewed and correlated to high-level packet traces. This gives developers the best of both worlds, maintaining a focus on solving the problem instead of wasting time with the long process of changing the equipment setup.

“BitTracer bridges the gap between logic analyzer and protocol analyzer functionality,” said John Wiedemeier, Product Marketing Manager, Protocol Solutions Group, LeCroy Corporation. “Developing test tools that reduce testing complexity for our customers is key to maximizing their satisfaction”.

The BitTracer is available for the PETracer Gen2 Summit PCI Express Analyzer. The software displays all bits in the bit stream for each individual lane. These bits are delineated to the user as they appear in the multi-striped bit stream. A separate window shows the high-level packet created from the delineated bits. Both windows correlate together as a user moves through the bit stream showing clearly the nature of any corrupted packets. The BitTracer includes traffic summary and search features.

LeCroy protocol analyzers have been at the forefront of PCI Express development tools. All LeCroy protocol analyzers feature a hierarchical display, real-time statistics, protocol traffic summaries, detailed error reports, powerful scripting, and the ability to create user-defined test reports, which allow developers to troubleshoot intricate problems and finish their projects on time.

Availability

The BitTracer is now available to order. For additional information, contact LeCroy at 1-800-5LeCroy (1-800-553-2769) or visit LeCroy’s web site at www.lecroy.com

About LeCroy Corporation
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/semiconductor/consumer electronics, data storage, automotive/industrial, and military/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.