Tektronix Provides First Published Test Procedure for SATA Revision 3.0 Physical Layer Tests

09/30/2008

Tektronix, Inc. a leading, worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, announced availability of the first published test procedures for physical layer testing of the Serial ATA Revision 3.0 standard.  Tektronix provides a comprehensive high-speed serial data test suite for the SATA physical layer design and debug.  Complete Methods of Implementation (MOI) for SATA Gen1 and Gen2 standards as well as the new test guide for Serial ATA Revision 3.0 can be viewed at www.tektronix.com/sata.

The third generation specification for the Serial ATA storage interface will double the maximum transfer speed from 3 Gb/s to 6 Gb/s, paving the way to higher performance storage solutions including emerging solid state drives and enterpise business storage needs.  SATA 6 Gb/s technology will enable large amounts of data to be moved at even faster rates, a key advantage as end-users amass ever-increasing amounts of high-resolution photos, videos, music and other multimedia files. The new industry standard will enhance the appeal of the high-performance, low-cost interface, solidifying its prevalence as a long-term storage interface for the digital world.

Tektronix provides industry leading capabilities for physical layer testing of high-speed serial data technologies, including SATA 6 Gb/s.  For example, the Tektronix AWG7000B Arbitrary Waveform Generator series with its fine resolution sequencer is uniquely able to interact with complex state machines for link state training of 6 Gb/s hosts and disks.  Additionally, the Tektronix DSA/DPO70000 oscilloscope series provide the only multi-channel models on the market that can acquire 6 Gb/s transmitted signals at or above the 5^th harmonic, enabling greater margin and fidelity for demanding compliance and debug testing. 

“Tektronix has long been a leader in high-speed serial applications and test solutions,” said Ian Valentine, general manager, Technology Solutions Group, Tektronix.  “Customers are asking for test tools for the latest SATA disk interface technology.  Our industry-leading tools and the new guide provide the functionality and detailed procedures for engineers to fully debug and test the new SATA 6 Gb/s standard.  We continue to work closely with SATA-IO and member firms on test methodologies to ensure companies will have the test tools available to support rapid development of SATA 6 Gb/s products.”

Company profile:  Tektronix