Granite River Labs GRL-PCIE-TX Setup guide

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 1 of 51
Granite River Labs
GRL-PCIE-TX PCI Express®4.0 & 5.0 Transmitter
Compliance Test Automation Solution
Quick Start/User Guide
for Physical Layer Transmitter Test Application

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 2 of 51
All product names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their
respective owners.
The GRL disclaims all warranties and liability for the use of this document and the
information contained herein and assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear
in this document, nor does the GRL make a commitment to update the information
contained herein.
Contact the GRL office to obtain the latest revision of this document.
Questions regarding this document in the GRL may be forwarded to:
Granite River Labs 3500 Thomas Road, Suite A, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.graniteriverlabs.com
DISCLAIMER
This document is provided "as is" with no warranties whatsoever, including any warranty
of merchantability, no infringement, fitness for any particular purpose, or any warranty
otherwise arising out of any proposal, specification, or sample. The GRL disclaims all
liability for infringement of proprietary rights, relating to use of information in this
specification. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual
property rights is granted herein.
All product names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their
respective owners.
Copyright © 2021 Granite River Labs

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 3 of 51
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION 6
2RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS 7
2.1 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 8
3SETTING UP GRL-PCIE-TX AUTOMATION SOFTWARE 9
3.1 DOWNLOAD GRL-PCIE-TX SOFTWARE.................................................................................................. 9
3.2 LAUNCH AND SET UP GRL-PCIE-TX SOFTWARE .................................................................................. 9
3.3 PRE-CONFIGURE GRL-PCIE-TX SOFTWARE BEFORE TESTING .........................................................12
3.3.1 Enter Test Session Information.............................................................................................12
3.3.2 Set Test Conditions.....................................................................................................................12
4TESTING USING GRL-PCIE-TX 15
4.1 GRL-PCIE-TX ADVANTAGE....................................................................................................................15
4.2 SET UP DUT TX TEST WITH AUTOMATION ..........................................................................................15
4.2.1 Connect Equipment for System Board DUT Test ...........................................................15
4.2.2 Connect Equipment for Add-In Card DUT Test...............................................................26
4.2.3 Set Up Test Requirements.......................................................................................................35
4.2.4 Select Compliance Tests...........................................................................................................37
4.2.5 Configure Test Parameters .....................................................................................................39
4.3 RUN AUTOMATION TESTS .......................................................................................................................41
5INTERPRETING GRL-PCIE-TX TEST REPORT 42
5.1 UNDERSTAND TEST REPORT INFORMATION..........................................................................................42
5.1.1 Test Session Information.........................................................................................................43
5.1.2 Test Summary Table..................................................................................................................44
5.1.3 Test Results...................................................................................................................................45
5.2 DELETE TEST RESULTS............................................................................................................................46
6SAVING AND LOADING GRL-PCIE-TX TEST SESSIONS 46
7APPENDIX A: SIGTEST TOOL TAB 47
8APPENDIX B: CONNECTING KEYSIGHT OSCILLOSCOPE TO PC 49
9APPENDIX C: CONNECTING TEKTRONIX OSCILLOSCOPE TO PC 50

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 4 of 51
List of Figures
Figure 1. Select and Launch GRL Framework..................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2. Start PCIe Tx Test Application.............................................................................................................10
Figure 3. See License Details ...................................................................................................................................10
Figure 4. Check License for Installed Applications.........................................................................................10
Figure 5. Connect Instruments with GRL-PCIE-TX Software......................................................................11
Figure 6. Session Info Page ......................................................................................................................................12
Figure 7. Select Lane Under Test ...........................................................................................................................13
Figure 8. Select Data Rates.......................................................................................................................................13
Figure 9. Select Presets..............................................................................................................................................14
Figure 10. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (without
RF Switch) ..............................................................................................................................................................16
Figure 11. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (with RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................17
Figure 12. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (without RF Switch)..........................................................................................................................18
Figure 13. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (with RF Switch).................................................................................................................................19
Figure 14. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (without
RF Switch) ..............................................................................................................................................................20
Figure 15. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (with RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................21
Figure 16. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (without RF Switch)..........................................................................................................................22
Figure 17. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (with RF Switch).................................................................................................................................23
Figure 18. Conceptual PCIe Gen 3 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using Manual
Compliance Toggle (without RF Switch)....................................................................................................24
Figure 19. Conceptual PCIe Gen 3 System Board Tx Test Setup Diagram Using Manual
Compliance Toggle (with RF Switch)...........................................................................................................25
Figure 20. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (without RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................26
Figure 21. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (with RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................27
Figure 22. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (without RF Switch)..........................................................................................................................28
Figure 23. Conceptual PCIe Gen 4 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (with RF Switch).................................................................................................................................29
Figure 24. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (without RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................30

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 5 of 51
Figure 25. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 (with RF
Switch).....................................................................................................................................................................31
Figure 26. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (without RF Switch)..........................................................................................................................32
Figure 27. Conceptual PCIe Gen 5 Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using GRL-P1 with ISI
Channel (with RF Switch).................................................................................................................................33
Figure 28. Conceptual PCIe Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using Manual Compliance
Toggle (without RF Switch).............................................................................................................................34
Figure 29. Conceptual PCIe Add-In Card Tx Test Setup Diagram Using Manual Compliance
Toggle (with RF Switch)....................................................................................................................................34
Figure 30. Select DUT Type......................................................................................................................................35
Figure 31. Set Up SigTest..........................................................................................................................................36
Figure 32. Set Up Waveform Processing ............................................................................................................36
Figure 33. Select Tests Page ....................................................................................................................................37
Figure 34. Select Waveform to Capture ..............................................................................................................38
Figure 35. Select Waveform Analysis Tests.......................................................................................................38
Figure 36. Test Parameters Configuration Page..............................................................................................39
Figure 37. Run Tests Page........................................................................................................................................41
Figure 38. Test Report Page ....................................................................................................................................42
Figure 39. Test Session Information Example..................................................................................................43
Figure 40. Test Summary Table Example ..........................................................................................................44
Figure 41. Test Results Example............................................................................................................................45
Figure 42. Delete Test Results ................................................................................................................................46
Figure 43. Save/Load/Create Test Sessions .....................................................................................................46
Figure 44. Setup Configuration Page....................................................................................................................47
Figure 45. Perform SigTest Debugging ...............................................................................................................47
Figure 46. Running Offline SigTest Verification ..............................................................................................47
Figure 47. Viewing SigTest Analysis Results.....................................................................................................48
Figure 48. Keysight Connection Expert...............................................................................................................49
Figure 49. Oscilloscope’s VISA Address..............................................................................................................49
Figure 50. OpenChoice Instrument Manager In Start Menu.......................................................................50
Figure 51. OpenChoice Instrument Manager Menu .......................................................................................51
List of Tables
Table 1. Equipment Requirements –Systems.................................................................................................... 7
Table 2. Equipment Requirements –Cables ....................................................................................................... 7
Table 3. Software Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 8
Table 4. Test Parameters Description .................................................................................................................39

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 6 of 51
1Introduction
This Quick Start/User Guide provides information using the GRL-PCIE-TX test solution to set up
and test an electrical transmitter (Tx) device for PCI Express (PCI-SIG SEG) certification.
The main body of this documentation describes how to configure the GRL-PCIE-TX solution to
capture and test waveforms in a PCIe 5.0 (or below) system (lane, data rate, preset), or
individual waveforms, and perform SigTest signal quality and de-emphasis compliance tests.
The test automation is carried out based on PCI-SIG-approved Methods of Implementation
(MOI’s) with high performance real-time oscilloscopes using existing PCI-SIG Compliance Base
Boards (CBB’s) and Compliance Load Boards (CLB’s).
The GRL-PCIE-TX solution consists of the GRL PCIe “GRL-P1” hardware controller and
automation software (GRL-PCIE-TX). The GRL-PCIE-TX software when run from the computer
or oscilloscope enables automation control to test the device under test (DUT) for Tx electrical
compliance. The GRL-P1 hardware controller is designed to work primarily with the software
to provide compliance toggle to control the state of the DUT. Alternatively, an arbitrary function
generator can also be used as a secondary option for compliance toggle control. The GRL test
solution also extends support for RF switch integration to automate switching or selection of
the lane under test.
The GRL automation control enabled PC or scope automates power and signal quality test
sequencing and processing of captured waveforms for the DUT at the selected PCIe data rate.
The Tx path is tested with worst case eye to ensure a Bit Error Ratio (BER) of less than 1E-12
can be achieved. When combined with a satisfactory level of interoperability testing, these tests
provide a reasonable level of confidence that the DUT’s will function properly in most PCIe
environments.
This documentation covers the following major components for PCIe Tx testing.
1. GRL-P1 hardware controller setup.
2. GRL-PCIE-TX software configuration and test setup.
Note: For manual test methodology, please refer to PCI-SIG SEG for approved vendor specific
Method of Implementation (MOI’s) as technical reference.

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 7 of 51
2Resource Requirements
Note: Equipment requirements may vary according to the lab setup and DUT board. Below are the
recommended lists of equipment for the typical test setup.
2.1 Equipment Requirements
TABLE 1. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS –SYSTEMS
Equipment
Qty.
Description/Key Spec Requirement
High Performance Real-time Oscilloscope [a]
1
≥25 GHz bandwidth (For PCIe Gen 4)
≥33 GHz bandwidth (For PCIe Gen 5)
“GRL-P1” PCIe Compliance Test Hardware
Controller (Optional)
1
For PCIe compliance toggle control
Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) Power
Supply
1
For power supply to the DUT
GRL Switch (Optional)
1
For multi-lane automated testing
PCI-SIG Compliance Base Board (CBB)
or
PCI-SIG Compliance Load Board (CLB)
1
For add-in cards
For hosts
Computer (laptop or desktop)
1
Windows 7+ OS
For automation control of the DUT state
[a] Oscilloscope with scope software requirements as specified in vendor specific MOI’s. For example, when
using the Keysight Scope, scope software such as Keysight InfiniiSim / EZ-JIT / Serial Data Analysis / Serial
Data Equalization that are required for testing and signal processing must be pre-installed on the Scope.
Similarly, the Tektronix Scope shall be used with DPOJET (Jitter and Eye Analysis Tools) software for
making measurements.
TABLE 2. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS –CABLES
Cable
Qty.
Power Control Adapter Cable
1
USB Type-A to micro Type-A/B Cable
1
Test Fixture Control Cable (2-conductor power control only cable or
6-conductor fixture control cable)
1
Clock Compliance Toggle Cables (matched SMA-to-SMP cables)
1 pair
SMA-to-SMP Cables
4 pairs[a]
[a] Based on the standard test configuration. May require more or less cables depending on the
DUT type.

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 8 of 51
2.2 Software Requirements
TABLE 3. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
Software
Description/Source
GRL-PCIE-TX
Granite River Labs PCI Express®4.0 & 5.0 Automated Transmitter
Compliance Test Solution (hardware & software) –
www.graniteriverlabs.com
Further automation license for Custom DUT, RF Switch, or other bench
automation –www.graniteriverlabs.com
VISA (Virtual
Instrument Software
Architecture) API
Software
VISA Software is required to be installed on the controller PC running GRL-
GRL-PCIE-TX software. GRL’s software framework has been tested to work
with all three versions of VISA available on the Market:
1. NI-VISA: http://www.ni.com/download/ni-visa-17.0/6646/en/
2. Keysight IO Libraries: www.keysight.com (Search on IO Libraries)
3. Tektronix TekVISA: www.tek.com (Downloads > Software > TekVisa)
SigTest
Standard Post Processing Analysis Software –
www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/design/technology/high-speed-
io/tools.html

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 9 of 51
3Setting Up GRL-PCIE-TX Automation Software
This section provides the procedures to start up and pre-configure the GRL-PCIE-TX
automation software before running tests. It also helps users familiarize themselves with the
basic operation of the software.
Note: The GRL-PCIE-TX software installer will automatically create shortcuts in the Desktop and
Start Menu when installing the software.
To start using the GRL-PCIE-TX software, follow the procedures in the following sections.
3.1 Download GRL-PCIE-TX Software
Download and install the GRL-PCIE-TX software as follows:
1. If the GRL-PCIE-TX software is to be installed on a PC (where is referred to as ‘controller
PC’), install VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) on to the PC where the GRL
software is to be used (see Section 2.2).
2. Download the software ZIP file package from the Granite River Labs support site.
3. The ZIP file contains:
•PCIETxTestApplicationxxxxxxxxxxxxSetup.exe –Run this on the PC or on the
oscilloscope to install the GRL-PCIE-TX application.
•PCIe4_TxTestScopeSetupFilesInstallationxxxxxxxxxSetup.exe –Run this on the
oscilloscope to install the scope setup files.
3.2 Launch and Set Up GRL-PCIE-TX Software
1. Once the GRL-PCIE-TX software is installed, open the GRL folder from the Windows Start
menu. Click on GRL –Automated Test Solutions within the GRL folder to launch the GRL
software framework.
FIGURE 1. SELECT AND LAUNCH GRL FRAMEWORK
2. From the Application→Framework Test Solution drop-down menu, select “PCIE Tx Test
Application”to start the PCIe Tx Test Application. If the selection is grayed out, it means
that your license has expired.

GRL-PCIE-TX Quick Start/User Guide Rev1.5
© Granite River Labs 2021 Updated 09/02/2021 Page 10 of 51
FIGURE 2. START PCIE TX TEST APPLICATION
3. To enable license, go to License→License Details.
FIGURE 3. SEE LICENSE DETAILS
a) Check the license status for the installed application.
FIGURE 4. CHECK LICENSE FOR INSTALLED APPLICATIONS
b) Activate a License:
•If you have an Activation Key, enter it in the field provided and select “Activate”.
•If you do not have an Activation Key, select “Close”to use a demo version of the software
over a free 10-day trial period.
Note: Once the 10-day trial period ends, you will need to request an Activation Key to continue
using the software on the same computer or oscilloscope. The demo software is also limited in its
capability, in that it will only calibrate the maximum frequency for each data rate. Thus, the demo
version cannot be used to fully calibrate and test a device. For Demo and Beta Customer License
Keys, please request an Activation Key by contacting [email protected].