Quantum Data 980 User manual

980 User Guide Rev. B29
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980 Protocol Analyzer
User Guide
Rev: B29

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Table of Contents
1About the 980 4
1.1 What makes the 980 Unique? 4
1.2 Scope of this User Guide 5
1.3 What options are available with the 980? 5
1.4 Changes to this User Guide 6
1.5 980 User Interface 6
1.6 What kinds of data does the 980 Protocol Analyzer allow you to view? 7
2Getting Started 8
2.1 What is in the 980 Protocol Analyzer shipping box? 8
2.2 Operational workflow 8
2.3 Front Panel 9
2.4 Connector Description 9
2.5 980 Operational Modes 11
2.6 980 Analysis Configurations 11
2.7 Getting Started Procedures 13
2.8 Connection Scenarios for external 980 GUI Manager 16
3Overview of the 980 Manager (External) GUI 28
3.1 Overview 28
4980 Manager (External) GUI –Panel Descriptions 37
4.1 980 Navigation Panel 37
4.2 Capture Control panel 44
4.3 Video Analysis Panel 48
4.4 Data Decode Panel 53
4.5 Event Plot Panel 63
4.6 Audio Analysis Panel 72
4.7 Timing Analysis Panel 73
4.8 EDID Management Panel 77
5Real Time Mode 81
5.1 Accessing the Real Time mode 81
5.2 Real Time Mode Overview 81
5.3 Real Time Mode Data Panels 86

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5.4 Monitoring the HDMI auxiliary channels in real time 111
6Analyzing HDMI Protocol Data with your 980 Protocol Analyzer 116
6.1 Overview 116
6.2 Operational workflow for capturing data with your 980 Protocol Analyzer 116
6.3 Setting the Configuration of the Link Mode 116
6.4 Setting the RX HDCP mode 117
6.5 Setting the +5V levels 118
6.6 Configuring the 980 with an EDID 120
6.7 Viewing Incoming Video (Built-Embedded GUI only) 121
6.8 Using automatic triggering 124
6.9 Using External Triggering 129
6.10 Using Manual Triggering 129
6.11 Using Precision Trigging and Pre-Capture Filtering 130
6.12 Examining Captured Data 134
6.13 Running HDMI tests using the Pass-Through Mode 145
6.14 Loading or importing existing captures with the 980 Protocol Analyzer 152
6.15 Running HDMI tests using the Encrypted Link Analyzer 156
6.16 Transferring Capture Files from the 980 to a PC 165
7Standard Tests 167
7.1 Running a video timing test 167
7.2 Running a video analysis test 173
7.3 Audio Analysis 180
7.4 AVmute Test 182
8Audio Return Channel (HEAC) Testing 186
8.1 Test ARC on an HDMI source (ARC Rx) 189
8.2 Test ARC on an HDMI sink (ARC Tx) 191
9Upgrading the 980 Manager and 980 Protocol Analyzer 194
10 Command Line Interface 195
10.1 Overview 195
10.2 Command Line Examples 197
We wish to thank Chris Pasqualino of Broadcom for his helpful suggestions and feedback during the
development of the 980 Protocol Analyzer. His help in reviewing requirements and providing
useful feedback during alpha testing were greatly appreciated.

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1About the 980
This chapter provides an overview of features of the 980 Protocol Analyzer and the 980 GUI Manager. The 980
Protocol Analyzer is an HDMI analyzer for HDMI source devices. It provides visibility into the HDMI protocol to help
resolve common interoperability problems in HDMI systems. The 980 GUI Manager is a PC application to manage
and use the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
There are two options for the 980: 1) 980 225MHz ―Gen 2‖ and 2) 980 297MHz ―Gen 3‖. The 980 225MHz ―Gen 2‖
is able to parse HDMI streams from source devices with a TMDS clock up to 225MHz. The 980 297MHz ―Gen 3‖
version is able to parse HDMI streams from source devices with a TMDS clock and pixel clock up to 297MHz.
1.1 What makes the 980 Unique?
The 980 Protocol Analyzer is an analyzer for HDMI and MHL source devices that provides full visibility into the
HDMI protocol, timing, control and auxiliary data. It captures and decodes encrypted or unencrypted metadata
(audio sample, infoframes and other data packets) as well as DDC transactions and CEC messages.
Competitive ―analyzers‖ available on the market are more limited because they utilize commercial silicon chips.
The 980 uses a proprietary solution and therefore can provide much greater visibility into the protocol, timing and
control data. The competitive ―analyzers‖ support some of the 980 features but not nearly all of them. They support
functional testing but not true interoperability testing. Functional test ―analyzers‖ often support only real time
monitoring. The 980 supports capture, store and analysis as well as Real Time monitoring.
For these same reasons, the 980 can support all of the HDMI source protocol compliance tests in Sections 7.4
through 7.8 of the CTS. Functional test instruments cannot. For example, the 980 supports all the Protocol tests in
Test 7-17 related to control periods, preamble and guard bands and the 980 can measure the audio sample rate
precisely and therefore measure audio jitter correctly. Functional test instruments cannot support these tests
correctly.

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1.2 Scope of this User Guide
This User Guide documents the operation of both versions (the 980 225MHz ―Gen 2‖ and the 980 297MHz ―Gen
3‖) of 980 Protocol Analyzer through the standalone PC application, i.e. the 980 Manager. In some cases there are
functions of the embedded 980 GUI Manager that will be covered in detail as well: These include: 1) Provisioning
the IP address of the 980. 2) Viewing the incoming video content from a source device. 3) Viewing the incoming
HDMI video/audio metadata, protocol data and DDC transactions in real time. There is a Quick Start Guide that
provides complete instructions for operation of the 980 Protocol Analyzer through the 980’s built-in color touch
display.
This User Guide does not include description or procedural information for any of the compliance test options
available with the 980 Protocol Analyzer. Procedures for running the HDMI source and sink compliance tests are
covered in separate User Guides for HDMI compliance testing.
1.3 What options are available with the 980?
The 980 offers six options that you can purchase with the 980 Protocol Analyzer. You must have a license to use
these options: 1) Encrypted Link Analyzer mode for monitoring encrypted data between an HDMI source and sink
device. 2) HDMI Source Compliance tests in accordance with HDMI 1.4 CTS Sections 7.4 through 7.8. 3) EDID
Compliance test in accordance with Sections 8.2 and 8.5 of the HDMI 1.4 CTS.
You can determine what options the 980 is provisioned with by looking at the label on the bottom of the 980 or by
accessing the Instrument Information screen on either the built-in or external GUI manager. Refer to the following
screen.

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1.4 Changes to this User Guide
The following changes have been made to this User Guide since its last version:
Miscellaneous clarifications
Note: Please be sure to check the Quantum Data website for updates to the User Guide.
1.5 980 User Interface
The 980 Protocol Analyzer provides a graphical user interface (980 GUI Manager) for operation. This GUI can run
both on the 980 itself through the built-in color touch screen display (embedded 980 GUI Manager) or as a
standalone application running on a PC (external 980 GUI Manager). The look and feel and functions are similar
but not identical.
1.5.1 980 GUI Manager
The external 980 GUI Manager provides easy access to the captured data on your PC for sharing with others. Also
the external 980 GUI Manager enables you to operate the 980 through a larger interface which allows you to use
multiple panels at the same time. There are two key features that are not available in the external 980 GUI

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Manager GUI however: 1) viewing the incoming video stream, 2) viewing the video/audio metadata and auxiliary
transactions in real time using the Real Time mode.
1.5.2 Embedded 980 GUI Manager –Real Time Monitoring
You can operate the 980 fully through the built-in color touch screen display using the embedded version of the
980 GUI Manager. In addition to the basic operation of the 980 Protocol Analyzer the touch screen display GUI
also enables you to view the incoming video from a source even when encrypted with HDCP content protection.
The ability to view the incoming video also enables you to control the menus of the source device (e.g. STB or DVD
player) to ensure that it is in the correct mode. The built-in GUI also enables you to view the HDMI video metadata
and DDC/C-Bus transactions in real time, as they are being captured, using the Real Time mode.
You can transfer data captures taken from the embedded 980 GUI Manager through the built-in touch display to
your PC where they can be viewed through the external 980 GUI Manager and also disseminated to others for
analysis.
1.6 What kinds of data does the 980 Protocol Analyzer allow you to view?
By providing visibility into the HDMI and MHL protocol, the 980 Protocol Analyzer enables you to detect changes
and identify anomalies in the HDMI or MHL signal. The following is a list of the data types you can view (currently):
Video
oTiming parameters
oPixel values
Data Islands, including:
oInfoframes (AVI, Audio, Source Product Descriptor, etc.)
oGeneral Control Packet (GCP)
oAudio Clock Regeneration (ACR)
oAudio Sample Packet Header including Channel Status Blocks
oControl data (vsync, hsync, encryption enable)
Hot plug events
DDC transactions, including:
oHDCP
oEDID
Control data
HDMI CEC transactions
HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) data

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2Getting Started
This chapter explains what is involved in getting your 980 up and operating to capture data.
2.1 What is in the 980 Protocol Analyzer shipping box?
You will find the following items in the 980 shipping box:
Quantum Data 980 Protocol Analyzer test instrument.
Ethernet cable (P/N 30-00151) –used for connecting to the 980 Protocol Analyzer over the LAN interface.
Detachable power cable –used for supplying power to the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
HDMI cable (P/N 30-00146) –used for connecting to the 980 Protocol Analyzer to the device under test.
ESD warning sheet (P/N 68-00204) –information useful for protecting the HDMI interface against static
discharge.
Quick Start Guide (P/N 68-00223).
2.3 Operational workflow
The following are the high level steps you will need to follow to get your 980 up and running:
1. Remove the 980 from the shipping box.
2. Assemble the source device under test into your lab area and power it up. When using the optional pass-
through feature to monitor between an HDMI source and an HDMI sink, assemble the display device as well.
3. Connect the 980 Protocol Analyzer power cable (provided) to a suitable outlet (110-240V 50/60Hz) and apply
power to the 980.
4. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Select a suitable PC to host the 980 GUI Manager
application. A minimum of 512MB of RAM is recommended. (Note that you do not need a PC because you can
use the built-in Front Panel display; however the external 980 GUI Manager provides you with a larger viewing
area).
5. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Determine how you are going to connect to the 980
Protocol Analyzer from the external 980 GUI Manager in order to operate the instrument:
oPut the 980 on your corporate network and enable DHCP using an available Ethernet patch cable, or…
oConnect directly with a host PC or laptop using the Ethernet crossover cable provided.
6. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Assign an IP address to the 980 either directly or by
enabling DHCP.
7. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Download the latest 980 GUI Manager application from the
Quantum Data website:
www.quantumdata.com/downloads/index.asp.
8. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Install the 980 Manager application on your host PC.
9. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Establish a connection to the 980 from the 980 Manager
resident on your host PC.
10. (Optional –not required if using the built-in display) Through the 980 Manager ―Add‖ the 980 as an Instrument.
11. Connect the source device under test to the HDMI Rx port on the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
12. (Optionally) connect a display to the HDMI Tx port on the 980 Protocol Analyzer. This is used when you are
using the Pass-Through or the optional Encrypted Link Analyzer feature.View the incoming video in real time to
check the status of the device under test.

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14. View the video in real time to verify that the source is outputting video.
15. Set the capture trigger criteria and the pre-capture filtering criteria.
16. Initiate the capture.
17. View and analyze the captured data.
18. (Optional) If you have purchased the HDMI or MHL source compliance test option you can run this test series
as well. However you will have to refer to the User Guide for Compliance Tests for these procedures.
2.4 Front Panel
The 980 is equipped with a built-in color touch display that enables you to fully operate the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
There is a power button to turn the 980 Protocol Analyzer on (along with the rocker switch on back). The power
switch in the front is used when you are turning off the 980 Protocol Analyzer for a short period of time. For
extended periods of off time, it is best to power the 980 down by first using the power button on the front and then
the rocker switch on the back.
2.5 Connector Description
The 980 Protocol Analyzer (rear view shown in the photo below) provides the following connectors.
1. HDMI Rx connector (the top most HDMI connector shown in the figure below) enables you to monitor the
HDMI protocol from an HDMI source device.
2. HDMI Tx connector (the lower HDMI connector) can be used for pass through mode.
3. SPDIF input connector for injecting external SPDIF audio into an HDMI 1.4 stream with Audio Return Channel
(ARC) capabilities.
4. SPDIF output connector for extracting embedded SPDIF audio from an HDMI 1.4 stream with Audio Return
Channel (ARC) capabilities.
5. Ethernet input connector for injecting external Ethernet data into an HDMI 1.4 stream with HDMI Ethernet
Channel (HEC) capabilities.
6. Ethernet output connector for extracting embedded Ethernet data from an HDMI 1.4 stream with HDMI
Ethernet Channel (HEC) capabilities.
7. Ethernet jack on the lower left half of the back panel of the 980 Protocol Analyzer frame. This is used to
establish an IP session between the 980 GUI Manager running on the PC and the 980 Protocol Analyzer. The
IP address on this port is configurable.
8. Ethernet jack on lower right of back panel. This is used to establish an Ethernet connect between a Host PC
running the 980 GUI Manager or for connecting to the 882E/EA when running the HDMI Sink Compliance
Tests. Note that this IP address is fixed at: 192.168.10.1.
9. BNC connector for external trigger. This is used when you want an external input to trigger a capture.

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2.6 980 Operational Modes
The 980 can be operated in one of two operational modes:
Capture and Post Analysis –The Capture and Post Analysis mode is the typical mode of operation and the
mode used to analyze HDMI data. It is also the mode used for running the HDMI Source Compliance Tests.
The Capture and Post Analysis mode is available both through the built-in touch display GUI and the external
980 Manager GUI.
Real Time Monitoring - The Real Time Monitoring mode is used to provide at-a-glance insights into the
incoming video. You can view the incoming video even when the video encrypted with HDCP content
protection. You can also view the incoming HDMI video/audio metadata and DDC transactions. The Real Time
mode enables you to collect data in real time and compare incoming data over time to ―reference‖ data
collected earlier. The Real Time mode is available only through the built-in touch display GUI.
2.7 980 Analysis Configurations
The 980 can be setup for analysis in one of three configurations:
Sink emulation –In the sink emulation monitoring configuration the 980 HDMI Rx port is connected directly to
the source device under test. The 980 is emulating an HDMI sink device. The sink emulation mode is the
typical mode of operation. You can monitor the HDMI transactions between the source device under test and
the 980 Rx port. All of the data types described in this manual can be monitored in the sink emulation mode
unless noted otherwise.
Pass-Through Monitor –In the pass-through monitoring configuration the 980 HDMI Rx port is connected to
the source device under test and the 980 HDMI Tx port is connected to a sink device. The pass-through mode
enables you to monitor the HDMI traffic passively between an HDMI source and an HDMI sink device. If the
video content from the source device is unencrypted you will be able to see all the data through the capture
period. If the video content from the source device is encrypted with HDCP you will be able to see all the data
and the incoming video up until encryption is enabled. Once encryption is enabled, you will be able to see the
DDC (or MHL C-Bus) and CEC transactions and the timing parameters but not the HDMI data islands. The
HDCP transactions that you will see are the transactions that occur between the source and the sink device. In
pass-through mode the 980 passes through the EDID of the display to the source device under test. The 980
does not function as an HDCP repeater.
Encrypted Link Analyzer - In the Encrypted Link Analyzer configuration the 980 HDMI Rx port is connected to
the source device under test and the 980 HDMI Tx port is connected to a sink device. The Encrypted Link
Analyzer configuration enables you to monitor and analyze HDCP encrypted protocol data transmitted
between an HDMI source device and sink device. Note that you will not be able to view the HDCP transactions
between the source and the sink. With the Encrypted Link Analyzer you can investigate HDMI interoperability
while the content is encrypted by viewing the metadata in real time and observing the behavior of the
downstream sink device. The Encrypted Link Analyzer enables you to capture the encrypted metadata and
store it for detailed analysis. With the capture operation, you can monitor the downstream HDMI sink device for
particular symptoms and then initiate a capture when the symptoms exhibit themselves. This ensures that the
relevant data—data related to interoperability—is captured.

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Sink Emulation Configuration (HDMI Example shown –MHL requires Quantum Data TPA-MHL-8R)
Pass-Through or Encrypted Link Analyzer Mode Configuration

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2.8 Getting Started Procedures
The getting started procedures involve the following tasks:
(Not required if using the embedded 980 GUI Manager on the built-in display exclusively) Downloading,
unzipping and launching the 980 Manager application to allow you to operate the 980.
Powering up the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
Establishing a physical connection from the HDMI source device you wish to test and the 980 Protocol
Analyzer.
(Not required if using the built-in display exclusively) Changing the IP address of the 980 so that it is
compatible with your PC and or corporate LAN.
(Not required if using the built-in display exclusively) Establishing an initial IP connection from the 980
Manager (residing on your host PC) and the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
2.8.1 Downloading and launching the 980 Manager
1. Download the 980 Manager from the Quantum Data downloads page to your PC. The link to the downloads
page is: http://www.quantumdata.com/downloads.
2. Start the installation by double-clicking on your downloaded *.msi file.
The Setup Wizard will launch.
3. Select the installation folder. We recommend installation in the default folder.

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4. After installation completes, run the new 980 Manager. It should be available in the Start Menu under All
Programs →Quantum Data, and also from an icon on your Desktop.
5. Verify that the version number in the title bar matches the version on the website downloads page.
2.8.2 Powering up the 980
Use the following procedures to power up the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
1. If necessary, apply power by toggling the rocker type power switch on the back of the 980.
Note: The power switch in the front is used when you are turning off the 980 Protocol Analyzer for a short
period of time. For extended off periods, it is best to power down the 980 Protocol Analyzer by first using the
power button on the front and then the rocker switch on the back.
2. Turn the 980 on by pressing and releasing the power button on the lower portion of the front panel.

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The following prompt will occur. Select the desired option.

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2.9 Connection Scenarios for external 980 GUI Manager
This subsection describes the options for connecting the external 980 GUI Manager to the 980 Protocol Analyzer.
In order to operate the 980 Protocol Analyzer with the 980 GUI Manager you will need to establish a connection
between the 980 Protocol Analyzer and the PC hosting the 980 GUI Manager. The 980 GUI Manager will be
running on your laptop or host PC. You will either be connecting directly from the 980 GUI Manager to the 980
Protocol Analyzer through an Ethernet cable or you will be connecting through your corporate LAN network.
If you are connecting directly between your host PC and the 980 Protocol Analyzer you will need to ensure that the
IP addresses of the 980 and the network interface card on your host PC are compatible. To be compatible, the IP
addresses must have the same network portions of their IP address but different host portions. You can either
change the IP address of the host PC using standard Windows OS techniques or you can change the IP address
of the 980. The 980 is provisioned with a default IP address (192.168.1.10). The procedures for changing the IP
address of the 980 are provided in the next subsection.
If you are connecting through your corporate LAN, the PC that the external 980 GUI Manager is running on will
typically have an IP address assigned to it through DHCP services. You can either assign an IP address to the 980
directly or allow the network DHCP server to assign one to the 980 that is compatible with your corporate network.
To be compatible, the IP address of the 980 must have the same network portion of the IP address as your network
but a unique host portion. The 980 is provisioned with a default IP address (192.168.1.10). The procedures for
changing the IP address of the 980 are provided in the following subsection. These procedures also describe how
to enable the 980 DHCP client to allow the network to assign an IP address.
2.9.1 Making the physical Ethernet connections for 980 GUI Manager
This section describes how to connect the 980 Protocol Analyzer to your PC hosting the 980 GUI Manager.
This subsection describes the physical connections required to run the HDMI source compliance tests. You can
either run the tests through the embedded 980 GUI Manager (running on the 980) or the external 980 GUI
manager. This procedure assumes that you have assembled the 980 Protocol Analyzer and source device under
test into your work area. There are three connection scenarios depending on whether you are using the embedded
980 GUI Manager or the external 980 GUI Manager and also depending on whether you are connecting your host
PC to the 980 through your corporate LAN or directly.
Ethernet connections when using the embedded GUI Manager:
There are no Ethernet connections necessary when using the 980’s embedded GUI manager. The diagram below
depict the test setups.

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To make the physical Ethernet connection with the external 980 GUI Manager when connecting through
your corporate LAN:
This procedure is used when you are using the external 980 GUI Manager and connecting to the 980 through your
corporate LAN network. This procedure is required to establish an IP session between the 980 GUI Manager
running on the 980 Protocol Analyzer. This procedure assumes that you have assembled the 980 Protocol
Analyzer, host PC and source device under test and applied power to all these devices. Refer to the procedures
and diagrams below.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the 980 Ethernet jack on the lower left half of the back panel of the 980
Protocol Analyzer to your corporate LAN. The IP address on this 980 Ethernet port is configurable using the
procedures that following. Refer to the diagrams below.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable from your PC hosting the external 980 GUI Manager to your corporate LAN. Refer
to the diagram below.

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To make the physical connections using Ethernet Point-to-Point connection with the external GUI
Manager:
This procedure is used when using the external 980 GUI Manager and connecting to the 980 directly with an
Ethernet cable. If you are connecting through your corporate LAN, use the previous procedure. This procedure is
required to establish an IP session between the 980 GUI Manager running on the 980 Protocol Analyzer. This
procedure assumes that you have assembled the 980 Protocol Analyzer, host PC and source device under test
and applied power to all these devices. Refer to the procedure and diagrams below.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the 980 Ethernet jack on the lower left half of the back panel of the 980
Protocol Analyzer frame to your PC hosting the 980 GUI Manager. The IP address on this 980 port is
configurable using the procedures that follow.
Refer to the diagrams below. The first diagram shows the connection port on the back of the 980. The second
illustrations shows a direct Ethernet connection when testing an HDMI source.

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2.9.2 Setting the IP address of the 980 Protocol Analyzer
This procedure describes how to set the IP address of the 980 Protocol Analyzer. You can change the 980’s IP
address through the 980’s front panel touch screen display manually. You can also allow the network DHCP server
to assign an IP address. These procedures assume that you have powered up the 980 and that the embedded 980
GUI Manager has been launched and established a physical Ethernet connection.
To set the IP address of the 980 through the embedded 980 GUI Manager
1. Touch select the terminal icon on the lower right corner of the 980 built-in display to access the Connection
Properties dialog box to view the current IP address. If the IP address of the 980 is compatible with IP address
of your PC and corporate network, no further action is required.
Note: If you do not see the icon in the lower right corner, press the Hide button in the Real Time Window.
2. Touch select the Instrument pulldown menu and select Configure.

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The following dialog box appears:
3. If you are wish to allow the 980’s IP address to be set through DHCP services, select the DHCP Checkbox as
shown below: