LeCroy Introduces First Automated Test Suite for Testing and Validation of First and Second Generation PCI Express Devices

-- Integrates with SDA 11000 Serial Data Analyzer to Form Industry-Leading PCI Express Test System for Gen 1 Parameteric Measurements and Preliminary Support for Gen 2 Development

LeCroy Corporation, a leader in serial data test solutions,introduces the industry's first automated test suite for PCI Expresstesting and validation, created to benefit both new and experienceddevice developers alike. The SDA PCI Express (SDA-PCIE-G2) SoftwarePackage works in conjunction with LeCroy's industry-leading SerialData Analyzers (SDA) and PCI Express Protocol Analysis and trafficgeneration tools, providing engineers with unprecedented insight intonext-generation design challenges, while also improvingtime-to-market. PCI Express is currently operating at 2.5 Gb/s, but isexpected to evolve to 5 Gb/s in 2006.

The PCI Express Software Package includes parametric testing forGen 1 and preliminary testing support for Gen 2, which can be upgradedas the specification evolves. By providing support for high-speed PCIExpress with amplitude, jitter and eye analysis software, designerscan evaluate standards compliance using the latest high-bandwidthmeasurement tools, including the SDA11000 digital serial oscilloscopeand the D11000PS active differential probe. The SDA11000 analyzerprovides for 11 GHz overall system bandwidth, capable of acquiring andanalyzing some of today's fastest serial data signals, including PCIExpress, 6 Gbps SATA III, 4.25 Gbps Fibre Channel, and 4.8 GbpsFB-DIMM.

"As PCI Express implementations become more prevalent in thedesktop environment, LeCroy is pleased to make these new developmenttools available to designers facing time-to-market constraints andrapidly changing test conditions," stated Federico Lipparini, Directorof Marketing for LeCroy's Performance Measurement Group. "LeCroy'sunique combination of high bandwidth electrical test tools andpowerful serial data analysis software helps developers bring productsto market faster and at a lower cost."

By being the first provider to incorporate its PCI Expressprotocol analyzers and traffic generation tools (gained through itsacquisition of Computer Access Technology (CATC)), with this softwarepackage, LeCroy offers exclusive coverage of test assertions inaccordance with the PCIe Electrical Design Consideration Gen 1requirements. This enables designers to undertake a systematic,checklist style design approach to new device development, ultimatelyresulting in compliant, interoperable products.

A New Class of Software Development Tools

The LeCroy SDA PCI Express software package leaps far beyondexisting software tools with X-Replay(TM), a unique applicationframework where every saved experimental result resides in aODBC-compliant database. A report generation engine, which interfaceswith the underlying Microsoft Access-compatible database, facilitatesthe creation of custom text/graphics based reports.

Some of the inherent benefits of X-Replay(TM) can be applied to:

-- Device development teams working in parallel development cycles who need to combine, study and interpret performance data and correlate with prior design runs

-- Manufacturing/Production test environments where key performance parameters are monitored using control charts or other in-process indicators of device performance

"LeCroy is leveraging its leadership position in the Serial Datamarket by focusing on proven, powerful technologies that speed ourproduct development cycle," said Tom Tinory, Director of Board ProductDevelopment at Stargen. "By incorporating flexible, context-sensitivetest limits and linkage to prior product runs via database access, weare able to accelerate our product validation in unprecedented ways.The cutting edge capability that LeCroy now provides has enabledStarGen to utilize the oscilloscope for serial data characterizationin addition to its traditional role as a reactive diagnostic tool. Wewere able to capture and analyze over 1,000 lanes of PCI-Express datain a few weeks with correct and consistent setup conditions. Thiscapability is needed more than ever given the measurement limitationsthat are posed by traditional ATE testers for ASICs that featuremulti-gigabit serial technology."

Recommended Measurement Solutions:

PCI Express Gen 2 Design Solution:

SDA11000 Serial Data Analyzer, 11 GHz System Bandwidth

D11000 Active Differential Probe, 11 GHz System Bandwidth

SDA-PCIE-G2 PCI Express Automated Test Suite Package

PCI Express Gen 1 Solution:

SDA6020 Serial Data Analyzer, 6 GHz System Bandwidth

WL600 WaveLink Differential Probe, 6 GHz System Bandwidth

SDA-PCIE-G2 PCI Express Automated Test Suite Package

PETracer/Trainer ML x 4 Protocol Analyzer/Exerciser

Pricing and Availability

The SDA-PCIE-G2 US List price is $5,995. Delivery is 6 weeks ARO.For additional information, contact LeCroy at 1-800-4LeCroy(1-800-453-2769) or visit the LeCroy web site (www.lecroy.com).

About LeCroy

LeCroy Corporation is a worldwide leader in serial data testsolutions, creating advanced instruments that drive product innovationby quickly measuring, analyzing and verifying complex electronicsignals. The Company offers high-performance oscilloscopes, serialdata analyzers and global communications protocol test solutions usedby design engineers in the computer and semiconductor, data storagedevice, automotive and industrial, and military and aerospace markets.LeCroy's 40-year heritage of technical innovation is the foundationfor its recognized leadership in "WaveShape Analysis" - capturing,viewing and measuring the high-speed signals that drive today'sinformation and communications technologies. LeCroy is headquarteredin Chestnut Ridge, New York. Company information is available athttp://www.lecroy.com.

(C) 2005 by LeCroy Corporation. All rights reserved.Specifications subject to change without notice.