MIPI M-PHY Transmitter and Receiver Test Solutions

Features & Benefits

M-PHY Receiver Testing

• Simple setup using a Tektronix oscilloscope and arbitrary waveform generator for a complete Receiver as well as Transmitter testing of M-PHY traffic. No other instrument is needed
• Automated testing for Gear1A and Gear1B data rates reduces the complexity of executing Receiver tests and enables you to test devices faster
• Integrated BER leverages bit error rate or error count testing using oscilloscope-integrated ERRDT software in the background for all Gears (A and B). No external/extra hardware is required to perform BER testing
• Modify the test setup according to the DUT configurations such as the High-speed Gear, Automatic or Manual Error-Detection Mechanism, Test Time or Loopback Duration, etc.
• Detailed test reports provide a Pass/Fail summary table, with additional information such as Test Setup Details, Signal Types, Bit Error, Execution Time, etc. for each measurement
• Test setup with arbitrary waveform generator
  • Supports flexible signal impairments using SerialXpress optionally for characterization of Gear1, Gear2, and Gear3 (all A and B) data rates
  • Supports jitter insertion and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) generation according to the base specification v1.0 for all PWM Gears
  • Supports testing the DUT in both Loopback (either Automated or Manual steps) and Non-loopback (Manual steps) mode

M-PHY Transmitter Testing

• Automated testing reduces the complexity of executing Transmitter tests and enables you to test devices faster
• Highly optimized setup performs Power Spectral Density (PSD) tests using oscilloscope-integrated algorithms uniquely, and does not require an external spectral analyzer or extra hardware to perform PSD measurements
• Automates the most complete 95% test coverage of High Speed for all Gears including Gear3, and 75% test coverage of PWM measurements for all PWM Gears
• M-PHYTX Automated User-defined mode allows modifying every parameter of different HS and PWM tests, for comprehensive debug analysis and characterization
• Seamless debug allows pause on each test in automation, and switch to DPOJET analysis tool for detailed debug
• Configuration for regression allows selecting different Gears and sub-Gears of HS and PWM signals, large/small amplitudes, impedance termination/un-termination
• User-defined mode allows configurations beyond compliance settings
• Opt. M-PHY Essentials enable full customization and comprehensive characterization using setup libraries
• Single printable report for approximately 1000 tests across different combinations, provides Pass/Fail summary table, along with margin details, optional waveform captures, and eye diagrams

M-PHY UniPro and LLI Decode

• Leverages the Oscilloscope Serial Trigger (ST6G)
  • Triggers on the UniPro and LLI specific events for all Gears
• 4-lane automated decoding
  • Automatically identifies all Gears and signalling schemes, and decodes
  • Automatically verifies CRC errors in the protocol packets
  • Acquires up to 4 lanes of data traffic simultaneously, and correlates the lane-to-lane events
• Protocol to physical-layer data correlation
  • Automatically links protocol decode data to the waveforms on oscilloscope
  • Enables faster system-level protocol debugging

M-PHY 8b-10b Decode

• All M-PHY Gears
  • Decodes M-PHY data traffic up to 6.25 Gb/s data rate, from symbols or 10-bit into 8-bit data
• Trigger and search
  • Supports trigger and search on any control character, character/symbol, error (character error and disparity error), or pattern
• Custom decode
  • Additionally, Option SR-CUST Custom Serial Analysis Kit can be used for any custom protocols decoding up to 6.25 Gb/s data rate

M-PHY DigRFv4 Decode

• Automated decoding
  • Automatically recognizes data speeds, disassembles, and displays the decoded data in different readable-data formats
• 4-lane decoding
  • Acquires up to 4 lanes of data traffic at a time
• Online, offline, and remote analysis
  • Supports LAN interface, and leverages TekVISA to connect to Tektronix oscilloscopes
• Filter, Search, and Option tabs
  • Searches and filters the decoded messages based on user criteria

Applications

• M-PHY Transmitter and Receiver testing for:
  • M-PHY host and device silicon characterization, debug, and validation
  • M-PHY conformance testing
  • 3rd-party components verification
  • Protocol verification
  • System integration and validation
  • Manufacturing test

M-PHY Transmitter/Receiver Testing with M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX

Single-button Automated M-PHY Transmitter/Receiver Testing

Single-button automated M-PHY Transmitter testing.

The Tektronix M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX Automated Test software runs on Tektronix real-time oscilloscopes that are based on Windows XP*¹ or Windows 7*¹ computer operating systems. M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX provides an automated, simple, and efficient way to test M-PHY Transmitter/Receiver interfaces and devices consistent to the requirements of the M-PHY Base Specification v1.0 and Conformance Test Specification.

Once the test bench is set up and the DUT is properly connected, simply press the Run button to perform the selected test suite.

*¹ See host system requirements in the Ordering Information section.

Automated Transmitter/Receiver Testing – Save Time and Resources

There is no longer a need to be an expert on testing procedures. Remembering the exact steps to take each measurement is time consuming and often requires going back to the M-PHY specifications. M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX takes the guesswork out of conducting M-PHY Transmitter/Receiver testing. Even if you remember how to use the test equipment, it is common for even the most experienced operators to forget steps in the procedure or to set up the correct parameters, such as applying the correct signal impairments for a given test. M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX allows engineers to simply select the desired tests to run, and then work on other tasks while the tests are being executed.

Simple Setup, Test Execution, and Reporting

M-PHYRX simple setup, test execution, and reporting, through Non-interleave channels of an AWG7000.

Test setup and test execution is very simple with the M-PHYTX/M-PHYRX Automated software. The test setup connections are very minimal, as it involves only one piece of equipment for M-PHYTX and only two pieces of equipment for M-PHYRX. M-PHYRX controls the Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) and Oscilloscope Error Detector. The TekExpress software provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an intuitive workflow through setup and testing.

Setting Up the Bench

When setting up a test, nothing can be simpler than hooking up the test system by looking at a schematic. View the schematic of the selected test with a push of a button.

Instrument Bench Discovery

M-PHYRX software automatically (or on demand) scans and detects supported instruments connected in your test bench (both Visa supported and non-Visa supported instruments), whether they are connected through LAN, or GPIB. A quick check of the Instrument Bench menu confirms all instruments are networked correctly.

Comprehensive Transmitter/Receiver Test Coverage

Perform regression of almost all the High Speed mode Transmitter and Selective High Speed mode Receiver tests such as Receiver Jitter Tolerance, Receiver Eye Opening, Common Mode or Differential Input Voltage Tolerance, etc. In addition, perform regression of most of the PWM Transmitter tests uniquely across all PWM Gears (G0 to G7).

M-PHYRX Loopback Initiation and Retention

Counting bit errors using Oscilloscope Error Detector, in DUT Receiver loopback.

Before the Receiver test can start, the device under test must be put in the proper test mode, called Loopback, where the DUT loops the incoming signal at Rx directly to the Tx port. Once the Loopback is set on the DUT, then the Arbitrary Waveform Generator sends a Continuous mode signal with recommended patterns for all measurements. The M-PHYRX Automated software will allow the user to configure the Loopback settings initially, and retain them for subsequent test executions by sending the signal continuously during the transition from one test to another.

M-PHYRX Error Detection – Both Scope-based and Manual

M-PHYRX software supports two methods of error detection. The first method uses oscilloscope-based error detection and counting, leveraging the oscilloscope-integrated ERRDT software in the background. The second method uses a dialog box to read a manual entry of error counts.

M-PHYRX Ease of Testing with Pre-calibrated Patterns

The AWG (Arbitrary Waveform Generator) patterns are generated and factory calibrated to ensure the impairments are within the specification with given golden accessories. This simplifies the number of patterns as well as limits the time-consuming calibration routines. Both the AWG and Oscilloscope Error Detector work together concurrently in Loopback mode, and pre-calibrated signals enable you to perform each measurement within three minutes of time.

Pass/Fail Report

The M-PHYTX Report tab provides a single printable report of approx. 1000 test results along with a Pass/Fail summary table, margins, and optionally waveform screen captures, eye diagrams, histograms, bathtub charts, etc. The M-PHYRX Report tab provides a view of test results along with Pass/Fail status and bit error counts. Upon completion of the test, a comprehensive report will be generated in .MHT format. The results of the test will also be stored in an Excel .XLS file that can be used for further data analysis. Included in the test report are the configuration settings for the test equipment, test execution times, and comments for each test.

Powered by NI TestStand™

The TekExpress automated compliance software uses NI (National Instruments) TestStand to manage and execute its test sequences. A Windows user interface is provided in the TekExpress software for simple and complete operation of compliance measurements. However, if your validation and debug needs go beyond the features offered by the TekExpress software, a full version of NI TestStand can be used to develop higher-level automation sequences to control the TekExpress software.

NI TestStand is the de facto industry-standard test management environment for automating test and validation systems. NI TestStand is used to develop, manage, and execute test sequences, and to integrate test modules written in any test programming language through an open and flexible architecture. Customers who own NI TestStand and purchase the TekExpress software will be able to write scripts using NI TestStand that call the TekExpress software with a detailed list of commands. This command set allows the NI TestStand user to recall and save TekExpress software setups, control individual test parameters, control test selections, change UI selections, change global parameters, start execution, query current execution status, and receive measurement results.

For device validation, it’s often desirable to make multiple runs of a single device using different operating conditions such as temperature and power supply voltages. This is sometimes referred to as ‘four-corners testing’, (testing to low-high temperature and low-high supply voltages). For four-corners testing, NI TestStand supports drivers for a wide range of temperature chambers and power supplies. NI TestStand can be used to control the temperature chamber and then call the TekExpress software for a compliance test using the limited command set. For adjusting power supply voltages, the power supply control sequence file within the TekExpress software can be modified using a standard NI TestStand sequence file. So if your company already uses NI TestStand for automation, your test engineers can incorporate commands to run the TekExpress compliance software directly into their test sequences.

M-PHY Transmitter Testing with M-PHY Essentials

M-PHY Transmitter testing with M-PHYTX Automated or M-PHY Essentials using single-ended/differential probes.

DPOJET software with Option M-PHY provides the essential set of M-PHY Transmitter measurements with greater flexibility in the test setup. Like D-PHY Essentials on DPOJET, M-PHY Essentials also enables Characterization, Debug, Analysis, and Conformance testing of M-PHY designs.

100% M-PHY High-speed Transmitter Test Coverage

M-PHY Essentials supports complete measurements to be performed in High-speed mode. It includes unique measurements such as Power Spectral Density on the real-time oscilloscope itself. It’s a patent-pending methodology supported by Tektronix. Alternative solutions in the market require additional hardware to perform this test. Moreover, M-PHY Essentials slew rate measurement can be extended to slew rate resolution measurement.

Transmitter Eye Diagram Measurement

Transmitter eye diagram measurement using M-PHYTX Automated or M-PHY Essentials.

Eye diagram measurement performs the Transmitter Eye Opening (T_{EYE_TX}) requirement at the minimum Differential AC Output Voltage Amplitude (V_{DIF_AC_xA_xT_TX}), for all combinations of supported Amplitudes, Terminations, Gears, and Lanes.

Transmitter Power Spectral Density Measurement

Transmitter Power Spectral Density measurement using M-PHYTX Automated or M-PHY Essentials.

Power Spectral Density (PSD) refers to the amount of power per unit (density) of frequency (spectral) as a function of the frequency. The PSD describes how the power (or variance) of a time series is distributed with frequency. The Power Spectral Density measurement is performed on the Tektronix oscilloscope itself using the patent-pending algorithms to compute the PSD waveform display, compare it against upper and lower mask limits, and then provide the result as Pass or Fail. Performing this measurement on Tektronix oscilloscopes does not require any additional external instruments, such as spectral analyzers.

Oscilloscope-based Decode for M-PHY UniPro and LLI

PGY-UPRO and PGY-LLI decode.

M-PHY design and test engineers need to monitor and debug UniPro/LLI protocol interfaces to ensure reliable operation of the system. Manually interpreting the protocol layer information using oscilloscope data is time consuming and prone to human error in a versatile UniPro and LLI protocol standard. The Prodigy PGY-UPRO/PGY-LLI Protocol Decode software offers extensive protocol decoding for M-PHY UniPro/LLI protocol specifications respectively. With this software, the M-PHY design and test engineers can now automatically make accurate and reliable decodes of multi-lane data, acquired by a Tektronix DPO/DSA/MSO70000 oscilloscope, and significantly reduce the development and test cycle.

The PGY-UPRO/PGY-LLI software automatically identifies all gears and signalling schemes such as NRZ and PWM, and decodes the protocol frames of multi-lane traffic. Built up on oscilloscope serial trigger features, the software computes CRC and verifies for CRC errors in a UniPro/LLI protocol packet. The software also links the decoded data to the electrical signal in the oscilloscope display, enabling better correlation from protocol- to physical-layer data. Furthermore, the software generates comprehensive and customizable reports, along with protocol data exportable in .TXT and .CSV formats. The software conforms to the M-PHY specification v1.0, the UniPro specification v1.4, and the LLI specification v0.8.

Oscilloscope-based Decode for M-PHY 8b-10b

Oscilloscope-based decode for M-PHY 8b-10b.

The SR-810B Serial Analysis application option enables Decode, Search, and Trigger on 8b/10b bus events for fast verification. All Tektronix MSO/DPO/DSA70000 Series oscilloscopes are equipped with a dedicated trigger chip for triggering on 8b/10b data patterns in high-speed serial signals up to 6.25 Gb/s. Installed as part of TekScope firmware, this software ensures finding even rare events. Furthermore, the DPO/DSA/MSO70000 Series oscilloscopes with PTD software support several 8b10b data values for triggering.

A very unique feature of the SR-810B option and perhaps the most powerful debugging tool is the capability to trigger on 8b/10b code errors. No serial trigger would be able to trigger on all possible character errors, disparity errors, or losses of byte synchronization, but the Tektronix 8b/10b serial trigger allows triggering on common errors such as disparity or character errors.

Oscilloscope-based Decode for M-PHY DigRFv4

Oscilloscope-based decode for M-PHY DigRFv4.

The Moving Pixel MPHYVIEW Protocol Decode software automatically recognizes M-PHY data speeds, disassembles, decodes the DigRFv4 data streams, and displays the decoded data in different readable-data formats. The software can be configured to acquire up to 4 lanes of data traffic at a time.

The MPHYVIEW software can be connected to a remote oscilloscope, and executed remotely from any Windows system, using TekVISA. The Filter and Search tabs enable searching and possibly highlighting records that satisfy given criteria. The MPHYVIEW also supports bit-sync, align, 10b-8b decode form packets, and disassemble.

Required Equipment for MIPI^® (M-PHY and D-PHY) Transmitter and Receiver Testing

For a complete list of required equipment please visit http://www.tek.com/MIPI.