VIAVI Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1 E1 EDSFF interposer for PCI Express 4.0
VIAVI / PCI Express Protocol Analysis / Interposers
Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1

Xgig E1 EDSFF Interposer Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1 Active Interposer for PCI Express 4.0

Active 8-lane PCIe 4.0 interposer for capturing EDSFF E1.L and E1.S NVMe SSD traffic at 16GTps for protocol analysis.

Maximum data rate
16GTps
Backward-compatible data rates
2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
Link width
1 link of 4 or 8 lanes
DUT form factor
EDSFF E1.L or E1.S NVMe SSD
Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1 is an active interposer for PCI Express 4.0 designed for developing, debugging and performance tuning NVMe SSD operation in high-density storage servers. It taps the data signals between the host system and an EDSFF NVMe SSD and passes them to a VIAVI Xgig analyzer, capturing bidirectional PCIe 4.0 protocol data on 8 lanes at 16GTps.

The interposer ships with both E1.L (long) and E1.S (short) user-swappable front-end modules so it fits the target system. The E1.S module is implemented to fit the 9.5mm Short Form Factor with Optional Symmetric Enclosure variation. It supports one link of 4 or 8 lanes.

High-speed linear signal redrivers buffer the system data signals across the interposer between the host and the SSD under test, so a clean signal reaches the analyzer for reliable protocol capture.

Setup and operation

To set up, an E1 EDSFF SSD is inserted into the interposer base pod and the front-end module is inserted into the EDSFF bay of the storage server. Mini-SAS HD cables connect the interposer to the VIAVI PCIe 4.0 Analyzer/Jammer platform, and the Xgig analysis tools run on a local or remote Windows PC. In Analyzer mode, DUT data is tapped from both the upstream and downstream paths. In Jammer or Analyzer/Jammer mode, data flows through the analyzer between the DUT devices, which allows error injection.

Key Features

  • Operates up to 16GTps, PCIe 4.0 data rates
  • Downward compatible with PCIe data rates of 2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
  • Supports 1 link of 4 or 8 lanes
  • EDSFF E1.L or E1.S NVMe SSD DUT (not supplied) plugs directly into the interposer
  • User-swappable E1.L and E1.S front-end modules supplied
  • Data path uses high-speed linear redrivers for good signal capture with little or no tuning
  • Includes 4 mini-SAS HD 4X cables for analyzer connection
  • Supports analyzer side-band signal capture and triggering with display in multiple formats
  • Supplied power brick makes interposer power independent of the host system
  • LEDs indicate power and status
  • Works with the VIAVI Xgig 4K4 and 4K16 PCIe 4.0 Analyzer/Jammer chassis
  • Supported by VIAVI Xgig Analyzer tools for trace capture with filter and trigger
  • Consistent, repeatable capture of link training, equalization negotiation and other data
  • Supports error injection (jamming) for deep system analysis

Specifications

Interface
Maximum data rate 16GTps
PCIe 4.0
Backward-compatible data rates 2.5, 5.0 and 8.0GTps
Link width 1 link of 4 or 8 lanes
DUT form factor EDSFF E1.L or E1.S NVMe SSD
DUT not supplied
E1.S implementation 9.5mm Short Form Factor with Optional Symmetric Enclosure variation
Analyzer cables SFF-8674 (mini-SAS HD 4X), 4 cables
Physical
Size, Base Pod 120 x 162 x 30 mm
Size, E1.L front-end module 331 x 9.5 x 38.4
LxTxH
Size, E1.S front-end module 162 x 9.5 x 33.7
Power
Power brick 120/220 input, 12V/3A output
Interposer power is independent of the host system

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

Applications

  • NVMe SSD development and debugging
  • Performance tuning in high-density storage servers
  • Debug and verification of new NVMe controller ICs
  • New server design verification
  • Firmware tuning
  • Validation of system BIOS and software
  • Manufacturing test verification

Included

  • Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1 8-lane EDSFF Interposer Base Pod (1)
  • E1.L front-end module (2)
  • E1.S front-end module (1)
  • SFF-8674 custom high-performance cables (4)
  • Sideband cable to analyzer (1)
  • Coax cable for optional clock (2)
  • Power brick, 120/220 input, 12V/3A output (1)
  • Bracket kit (1)
  • Quick Start Guide (1)

Options & Accessories

Option Description
Xgig4K-PCIe4-X8-E1-H1 1-year extended hardware warranty

Documents & Resources

Xgig E1 EDSFF Interposer for PCI Express 4.0
datasheet · PDF