SI-Fi Gen4 PCIe/NVMe Interposers

Serialtek » SI-Fi Gen4 PCIe/NVMe Interposers
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SI-Fi Gen4 PCIe/NVMe Interposers

Together with the new Kodiak™, SerialTek’s Gen4 (16.0 GT/s) PCI Express® (PCIe®) and Non-volatile Memory Express® (NVMe®) interposers with SI-Fi™ allow users to monitor an unprecedented variety of PCIe and NVMe bus traffic with unparalleled power and ease.

Enabled by SerialTek’s proprietary SI-Fi™ technology, users can save hours over legacy approaches requiring interposer calibration. This technology improves critical test coverage by providing high signal integrity, even over changing conditions, such as link training (LTSSM), Power Management, Hot Plug, Reset, and other tests where the physical link/lane characteristics may change.

Product Description

Each lane’s analog signal is received at the probe’s differential input and distributed to two separate phase matched differential outputs with a nominal gain of 0dB, allowing the Host and Device signals to pass through the interposer, allowing for real-world PCIe link training and easier set-up of the analyzer and DUT.

SI-Fi™ PCIe Gen4 Interposers continue SerialTek’s TCO approach. With the focus on signal integrity, flexible, low-cost, SFF-8644-based cables connect each interposer to the analyzer. These cables are readily available and rated greater than 20GHz, resulting in uncompromised SI at all PCIe transfer rates.

All sideband signals are passed through the interposer from Root Complex (Host) to Controller (Device), and all are made available to the analyzer for trigger, decode, and analysis.

“I’ve been using protocol analyzers for 31 years and PCIe analyzers and interposers extensively for the past 5 years. We use them for important assignments that affect revenue and customer satisfaction,” said John Wehman, Principal Applications Engineer at Phison Technology. “With other analyzers I have had to abandon my testing many times, because I could not find a good quality signal lock. SerialTek’s Kodiak analyzer and SI-Fi interposers have changed all that. I have 100% confidence in Kodiak’s ability to achieve lock and give me the trace I need to do my job. Kudos to Ellisys and SerialTek for creating not only an electrically reliable platform, but the actual mechanical hardware itself is beautiful.”

Key Features

  • SI-Fi™ Interposers require no calibration
  • Supports PCI Express Gen 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0
  • Accurate capture of PCIe data traffic at line rates including 16.0 GT/s (Gen4), 8.0 GT/s (Gen3), 5.0 GT/s (Gen2), and 2.5 GT/s (Gen1)
  • Single U.2 / U.3 interposer supports both single-port and dual-port capture (only one analyzer is needed for dual-port)
  • “Passive” tapping to avoid masking, hiding, or “cleaning up” electrical and/or link issues
  • Low-cost, flexible, high-performance cabling for reliable analyzer to interposer connections

Gen4 Slot/AIC Interposer

PCI Express slots are ubiquitous in ATX or ATX-based form factors in computing, storage, networking, and communication equipment applications. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 x4 slot interposer supports analysis of x1, x2, and x4 link-widths, though endpoints up to x16 may be plugged into the interposer. All relevant sidebands, including SMBus (e.g., NVMe-MI) from the host or from external / third-party injection or generation tools are supported. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 Slot (AIC) Interposers with SI-Fi technology are specially designed test adapters that are physically placed in between the PCIe slot and a PCIe endpoint to intercept and relay a copy of the high-speed signaling and discrete data lines to the Kodiak PCIe Analysis system in real-time.

Gen4 slot/AIC Interposer Overview

  • Dimensions: 25 x 116 x 248 mm (1 x 4.5 x 9.7”)
  • Power connector: Molex 87427-0602
  • Analyzer connectors: 2x SFF-8644
  • Device connector: PCIe CEM slot x16 straddle mount connector
  • Host module connectors: PCIe CEM x4 Edge fingers
  • SMBUS injection connector: 2×5 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLK output connectors: 2x U.FL, AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLK output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLK buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • Sideband signal access connector: 2×9 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc

Gen4 slot/AIC Sideband Signals

  • JTAG_TRST#
  • JTAG_TMS
  • JTAG_TDO
  • JTAG_TDI
  • JTAG_TCK
  • PRSNT2#_2
  • PRSNT2#_1
  • PRSNT2#_0
  • PRSNT#
  • GND
  • RSVD3 (x8 only)
  • RSVD2
  • RSVD1
  • SMBDAT
  • SMCLK
  • PWRBRK#
  • CLKREQ#
  • WAKE#
  • GND

M.2 Interposer

M.2 is a specification supporting specifically keyed modules of different lengths that facilitate the addition or expansion of functions via a small form factor. The PCIe M.2 form factor is typically used for PCIe adaptation and small form factor NVMe SSD’s. SerialTek’s M.2 interposer supports all relevant keys, link-widths, and sidebands, including SMBus (e.g., NVMe-MI) from the host or from external / third-party injection or generation tools. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 M.2 Interposers with SI-Fi technology are specially designed test adapters that are physically placed in between the M.2 port and an M.2 endpoint to intercept and relay a copy of the high-speed signaling and discrete data lines to the Kodiak PCIe Analysis system in real-time.

M.2 Interposer Overview

  • Dimensions: 154 mm(W) x 34 mm(H) x 232 mm(L) (6 x 1.3 x 9”)
  • Power connector: Molex 87427-0602
  • Analyzer connectors: 2x SFF-8644
  • Device connector: M.2 Socket 3, Key M, 22110, 2280, 2260, 2242, 2230
  • Host module connectors: 2x MCIO 38 pin
  • SMBUS injection connector: 2×5 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLK output connectors: 2x U.FL, AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLK output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLK buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • Sideband signal access connector: 2×9 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc

M.2 Interposer Sideband Signals

  • GND
  • DEVSLP
  • SUSCLK
  • MFG_DATA
  • MFG_CLOCK
  • 3V3 PCIE HOST
  • INPUT_1
  • INPUT_2
  • INPUT_3
  • LED
  • SMB_CLK
  • SMB_DAT
  • ALERT#
  • PERST#
  • CLKREQ#
  • PEWAKE#
  • PEDET

U.2/U.3 Interposer

SerialTek’s U.2, U.3, single-port (1×4), and dual-port (2×2) capability is combined into one interposer unit, providing significant cost savings in enterprise environments where all form factors are required. SerialTek’s U.2 and U.3 interposers support standard and extended length storage bays, and all relevant sidebands, including SMBus (e.g., NVMe-MI) from the host or from external / third-party injection or generation tools. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 U.2 and U.3 Interposers with SI-Fi technology are specially designed test adapters that are physically placed in between the U.2/U.3 port and an U.2/U.3 target to intercept and relay a copy of the high-speed signaling and discrete data lines to the Kodiak PCIe Analysis system in real-time.

U.2/U.3 Overview

  • Dimensions: 194 x 29 x 337 mm (7.6 x 1 x 13”)
  • Power connector: Molex 87427-0602
  • Analyzer connectors: 4x SFF-8644
  • Device connector: SFF-8639 receptacle
  • Host connectors: SFF-8639 plug
  • SMBUS injection connector: 2×5 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLKA output connectors: 2x U.FL, AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKA output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKA buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB output connectors: 2x U.FL,AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKB output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • Sideband signal access connector: 2×9 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc

U.2/U.3 Interposer Sideband Signals

  • IFDET2#
  • PERST#
  • PERSTB#/CLKREQ#
  • ACTIVITY#
  • PRSNT#
  • IFDET#
  • PWRDIS
  • WAKE#
  • GND
  • GND
  • EXT_INPUT_LOGIC_1
  • EXT_INPUT_LOGIC_2
  • PCIE_SMDAT
  • PCIE_SMCLK
  • HPT1
  • HPT0
  • DUALPORTEN#
  • GND

Standard Length

  • Dimensions (Length x Width): 13.25 in. x 6.5 in. / 337mm x 165mm
  • Nose Length (max Drive Bay Depth supported): 5.375 in. / 136mm
  • Weight: 13.10 ozs / 372 grams

Extended Length

  • Dimensions (Length x Width): 17.50 in. x 6.5 in. / 445mm x 165mm
  • Nose Length (max Drive Bay Depth supported): 9.376 in. / 238mm
  • Weight: 15.70 ozs / 446 grams

Cable Interposer

PCIe External Cabling provides an electrically efficient channel to connect external or internal PCIe components directly to a root port, daughter card, backplane, adapter, or other PCIe based ports. SerialTek’s PCIe cable interposer is a modular, cost-saving design, making setup simple with captive thumbscrews to easily change cable form factors. The cable interposer supports OCuLink (SFF-8611), MiniSAS-HD (SFF-8674), and SlimSAS (SFF-8654) form factors and can use the same or different form factors at the same time (e.g. OCuLink to SFF-8674). SerialTek’s PCIe Cable Interposer supports all relevant sidebands, including SMBus (e.g., NVMe-MI) from the host or from external / third-party injection or generation tools. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 Cable Interposers with SI-Fi technology are specially designed test adapters that are physically placed in between the OCuLink (SFF-8611), MiniSAS-HD (SFF-8674), and SlimSAS (SFF-8654) host port and its endpoint to intercept and relay a copy of the high-speed signaling and discrete data lines to the Kodiak PCIe Analysis system in real-time.

Cable Interposer Overview

  • Dimensions: 154 mm(W) x 34 mm(H) x 232 mm(L) (6 x 1.3 x 9”)
  • Power connector: Molex 87427-0602
  • Analyzer connectors: 2x SFF-8644
  • Device connectors: SFF-8611 (OCuLink), SFF-8674 (MiniSAS-HD), SFF-8654 (SlimSAS)
  • Host connectors: SFF-8611 (OCuLink), SFF-8674 (MiniSAS-HD), SFF-8654 (SlimSAS)
  • SMBUS injection connector: 2×5 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLKA output connectors: 2x U.FL, AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKA output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKA buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB output connectors: 2x U.FL,AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKB output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • Sideband signal access connector: 2×9 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc

Cable Interposer Sideband Signals

  • JTAG_TRST#
  • 1V8
  • IN A
  • IN B
  • IN C
  • OUT A
  • OUT B
  • SMBDAT
  • SMBCLK
  • SMBCLK
  • SMBRST
  • SB8
  • AUX PWR ON
  • HOST PWR ON
  • PERSTA#
  • PERSTB#
  • 1V8
  • GND
  • SB0 – SB16

EDSFF Interposer
SerialTek’s EDSFF interposer is mechanically modular and easily converts from E1.S to E1.L to E3.S form factors in a single unit. The included EDSFF host adapters are easy to change and plug into a host system. High-quality cabling (instead of lossy PCB material) from the interposer to the storage enclosure preserves signal quality while adding flexibility, saving customers money, and providing for safe placement of the device under test (DUT) on a bench or in a test rack. SerialTek’s EDSFF Interposer supports all relevant sidebands, including SMBus (e.g., NVMe-MI) from the host or from external / third-party injection or generation tools. SerialTek’s PCIe Gen4 EDSFF Interposers with SI-Fi technology are specially designed test adapters that are physically placed in between the EDSFF port and an E1.x or E3.x EDSFF target to intercept and relay a copy of the high-speed signaling and discrete data lines to the Kodiak PCIe Analysis system in real-time.

EDSFF Interposer Overview

  • Dimensions: 154 mm(W) x 34 mm(H) x 232 mm(L) (6 x 1.3 x 9”)
  • Power connector: Molex 87427-0602
  • Analyzer connectors: 2x SFF-8644
  • Device connectors: SFF-TA-1009
  • Host connectors: SFF-TA-1009
  • SMBUS injection connector: 2×5 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc
  • REFCLKA output connectors: 2x U.FL, AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKA output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKA buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB output connectors: 2x U.FL,AC coupled LPHCSL
  • REFCLKB output control connector: 2 pin 0.1” header
  • REFCLKB buffer control connector: 3 pin 0.1” header
  • Sideband signal access connector: 2×9 pin 0.1” header, 3.3 Vdc

EDSFF Interposer Sideband Signals

  • 1V8
  • IN A
  • IN B
  • IN C
  • OUT A
  • OUT B
  • SMBDAT
  • SMBCLK
  • SMBCLK
  • SMBRST
  • SB8
  • AUX PWR ON
  • HOST PWR ON
  • PERSTA#
  • PERSTB#
  • 1V8
  • GND
  • SB0 – SB16
PCIe Gen4 SI-Fi Interposers
PCIe Gen4 x4 Slot Interposer with SI-Fi technology PEI-G4-04-SLS
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.2 single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (standard length) PEI-G4-04-U2S
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.2 single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (extended length) PEI-G4-04-U2E
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.3 single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (standard length) PEI-G4-04-U3S
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.3 single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (extended length) PEI-G4-04-U3E
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.2 and U.3, single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (standard length) PEI-G4-04-UXS
PCIe Gen4 x4 U.2 and U.3, single (1×4) and dual-port (2×2) Interposer (extended length) PEI-G4-04-UXE
PCIe Gen4 M.2 Interposer PEI-G4-04-M2S