Test & Measurement
LeCroy - SierraFC M8-4 8G Fibre Channel Protocol Analysis Platform
LeCroy Corporation, a worldwide leader in serial data test solutions, has expanded its presence in the storage system and SAN development tools markets with the introduction of the SierraFC M8-4, a Fibre Channel 8 Gb/s protocol analyzer. The SierraFC M8-4 is the latest addition to LeCroy’s industry-leading Sierra family of powerful storage protocol analyzer products. Highly portable as stand-alone test systems, the flexible family of Sierra products can also be linked together in cascade configurations to provide additional recording channel capacity or to enable simultaneous capture of mixed protocol streams. Operating at 1, 2, 4 and 8 Gb/s FC signaling rates, available with 4 or 8 GB of recording memory, and either 2 or 4 recording channels, SierraFC offers world-class protocol analysis capability at price points that are within reach of every budget.
The SierraFC analyzer software features an intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) combining easy setup with flexible data analysis displays. Traditional column based views of the link layer show handshaking of primitives as well as complete frame composition. The application layer view logically assembles frames and ordered sets that are part of a specific exchange. Users will be able to quickly view the completion status of any exchange, which is especially useful in addressing system-level test debug challenges. Statistical reports provide event and error counters, as well as performance metrics, that give users a snapshot into captured traces and rapid access to items of interest.
The Sierra’s advanced triggering features provide engineers with the ability to capture precise traffic conditions such as timing between events or changes in link state. Triggering capabilities include a 24-level state sequencer, three independent timers, multiple counters, the ability to pre-filter at each state, and the ability to assign individual triggers to each port pair.
“With the introduction of the SierraFC M8-4 protocol analyzer, LeCroy continues their long and successful track record in providing flexible and cost effective protocol analysis equipment in support of the testing required to verify standards compliance for state-of-the-art FC products,” stated Chris Lyon, Executive Director of the FCIA.
“LeCroy’s protocol solutions group brings over 15 years of expertise in developing analysis tools for high speed serial storage test and verification.” said Kevin Kearney, LeCroy’s Product Line Manager. “We designed the SierraFC to provide the best combination of size, price, and ease of use that the developer market has been clamoring for.”