Commercial Tools Optimize/Validate PCI-X-Based Designs

Announced as the first set of tools to validate and debug chip-set, server, server clusters, or other designs using PCI-X technology, the E2929A and E2922A exerciser/analyzers claim to provide a complete set of design verification tools to help boost I/O performance. The E2929A single-slot exerciser/analyzer complies with the 133-MHz PCI-X specification. The test card combines the capabilities of a protocol checker and a state analyzer and exerciser.
Featuring real-time performance, the card offers a fully programmable PCI-X master, target, completer, and requester. It also provides data memory, a data generator, data comparisons, and programmable configuration space. The E2922A is a dedicated exerciser that provides a way to set up PCI-X traffic and verify protocol compliance. Both models can be controlled via graphical user interfaces or by a C-application programming interface. Pricing for the E2929A starts at $4900 and the E2922A costs $11,500 in single units.