VIAVI Xgig U.2-CEM 4-lane Interposer Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C for PCI Express 4.0
VIAVI / PCIe 4.0 / Interposers
Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C

Xgig U.2-CEM Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C 4-Lane Interposer Module for PCI Express 4.0

Active 4-lane U.2-to-CEM interposer for PCIe 4.0 that taps NVMe SSD traffic at up to 16GTps for capture by a VIAVI Xgig Analyzer.

Maximum data rate
16GTps
Backward-compatible data rates
2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
Link width
Up to and including 4-lanes
Host slot
4-, 8-, or 16-lane PCIe CEM slot
Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI Xgig U.2-CEM 4-lane Interposer (Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C) is an active interposer designed for NVMe SSD development. It installs into any PC, workstation or server with a 4-lane or larger PCIe CEM slot, and an NVMe SSD under test mounts directly onto the interposer. Bidirectional PCIe 4.0 protocol data on each of the four lanes is captured at up to 16GTps and delivered to a VIAVI Analyzer over supplied high-performance cables.

The interposer uses high-speed linear signal redrivers to buffer the PCIe data lanes between the host slot and the device under test. This keeps the signal clean for both the Analyzer and the DUT, so protocol capture is reliable with little or no tuning. Interposer power comes from an included external converter and does not depend on the host system.

Application

Used with the VIAVI PCIe 4.0 Analyzer/Jammer platform, the interposer supports debug and verification of new NVMe controller ICs, NVMe SSD devices, system implementations and firmware, as well as validation of system BIOS and software and manufacturing test. It supports full decode and analysis of NVMe and PCIe traffic, including the NVMe-MI protocol.

In Analyzer mode, DUT data is tapped from both the upstream and downstream data paths and fed to the Analyzer. In Jammer or Analyzer/Jammer mode, data flows into and out of the Analyzer, which allows error injection. The interposer works with the Xgig tool suite, including Trace Control, Expert and Serialytics.

Key Features

  • Operates up to 16GTps, PCIe 4.0 data rates
  • Downward compatible with PCIe 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 data rates of 2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
  • Supports links of up to and including 4 lanes
  • NVMe SSD DUT (not supplied) plugs directly into the interposer
  • Supplied with two high-performance custom cables for Analyzer attachment
  • Data path uses high-speed linear redrivers for good signal capture with little or no tuning
  • Supports Analyzer side-band signal capture and triggering
  • Provides two differential clock connectors
  • Interposer power is independent of the host system
  • 120/220 AC in, 12V/3A DC output converter included
  • LEDs indicate power and status
  • Design based on the 4-lane PCIe CEM specification
  • Fits a full-length, full-height slot
  • Consistent, repeatable capture of link training, equalization, negotiation and other data
  • Supports error injection for deep system analysis
  • Full decode and analysis of NVMe and PCIe traffic including NVMe-MI protocol
  • Supported by the Xgig tool suite including Trace Control, Expert and Serialytics

Specifications

Interface
Maximum data rate 16GTps
PCIe 4.0
Backward-compatible data rates 2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
PCIe gen-1, gen-2 and gen-3
Link width Up to and including 4-lanes
Host slot 4-, 8-, or 16-lane PCIe CEM slot
CEM: Card Electro-Mechanical Specification
DUT connector U.2 connector
NVMe SSD DUT not supplied
Analyzer connection SFF-8674
Two custom high-performance cables supplied
Host connector 4-lane finger connector
Sideband Sideband connector
Supports Analyzer side-band signal capture and triggering
Clock connectors Two differential clock connectors
Physical
Size 254 x 98 x 15 mm
Fits full length, full height slot
Format Design based on 4-lane PCIe CEM specification
Power
Power supply 120/220 AC in, 12V/3A DC output converter
Included; interposer power is independent of host system

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

  • NVMe controller IC, sub-system and system-level debug
  • NVMe SSD device development and verification
  • Firmware and driver development, validation and performance tuning
  • System BIOS and software validation
  • Manufacturing test and quality assurance
  • Use with VIAVI PCIe4 and PCIe5 Analyzer/Jammer platforms

Included

  • Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C U.2 to CEM 4-lane Interposer adapter card for PCIe 4.0 (1)
  • SFF-8674 custom high-performance cables (2)
  • Sideband cable (1)
  • Coax cable for optional clock (2)
  • Power brick, 120/220 input, 12V/3A output (1)
  • Quick Start Guide (1)

Options & Accessories

Option Description
Xgig4K-PCIe4-X4-U2C-H1 1-year extended hardware warranty

Documents & Resources

Xgig U.2-CEM, 4-lane Interposer for PCI Express 4.0
datasheet · PDF