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

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 5th 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.”