Press Releases

Catalyst Enterprises Introduces Industry’s First Protocol Exerciser for the PCI Express™ Architecture

San Jose, CA, June 2, 2003 - Catalyst Enterprises, manufacturer of advanced development tools for various computer communications platforms, introduces the first available Exerciser system to support the PCI Express™ architecture. Catalyst’s Model PX performs random pattern generation, PCI-Express traffic generation, and advanced protocol exercising for PCI-Express with complete support for multiple PCI Express link widths up to 16X.

Catalyst’s Model PX, PCI Express Exerciser is built around an advanced, reconfigurable hardware architecture. This reconfigurable development tool can be updated in the field via software to provide up to date performance with this evolving specification. The effective GUI software implementation of the PX helps users bring their PCI Express products to market quickly and effectively. It enables quick testing of a device with a minimum of setup, while offering more-complex operations for device and system characterizations such as bit level manipulation, error injection, trigger after a specified set of sequences, delayed execution and intermixed layer specification.

The PX, PCI Express Exerciser may be used as a non-intelligent, high-speed Pattern Generator to generate packets without requiring handshake, for early stage debugging of PCI Express devices, or it can operate as an intelligent Protocol Exerciser, complying to PCI Express protocols. The PX can declare itself as an Agent or be transparent to the host within a programmable configuration space.

The PX generates transaction layer, data layer and physical layer commands with a command looping capability that supports a specific number or infinite looping on data. With a large payload data burst capability and advanced, bit-level manipulation, error injection and complex program execution, the PX allows users to thoroughly test and characterize PCI Express devices throughout the development, debugging and validation processes.

Other PX Features include:

  • Acts as Development Platform for Testing PCI Express Designs Without a Motherboard

  • Performs Real PCI Express Device Emulation

  • Performs continuous pattern generation independently of handshaking signals

  • Manipulates data by lane reversal and polarity reversal

    • More information on the PX Exerciser, including pricing and delivery information, is currently available under Non Disclosure Agreement from Catalyst Enterprises Inc at info@getcatalyst.com, or (408) 365-3846.

    About Catalyst Enterprises

    Founded in 1992 in San Jose, CA, Catalyst Enterprises also manufactures Analyzer tools for PCI, PCIX, USB 2.0, Bluetooth and other data communication protocols. Catalyst’s Analyzer architecture uses reconfigurable hardware cores that can be updated in the field via software. These flexible hardware tools are powered by a unique, Dual-Mode GUI interface that combines an “Easy” mode with maximum automation for instant data capture and an “Advanced” mode that provides maximum customization for hard to find problems. Catalyst provides complimentary software updates and lifetime technical support for all its Analyzer products. Our goal is to assist our customers in their efforts to bring quality products to production as efficiently and effectively as possible.

    Contact:

    Joe Williams
    Catalyst Enterprises, Inc.
    info@getcatalyst.com
    (408) 365-3846 x 120

    All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.