Automotive SerDes Channel Testing

Introduction

Next-generation ADAS systems require camera and radar systems with increasingly high resolution. That means new requirements for speed and bandwidth. Many new features are delivered through a mix of sensors, cameras, and networks and require more and faster data with each iteration. 

High-speed serializer/deserializers (SerDes) help transport the data streams, making the in-vehicle video, audio, and communication possible. The SerDes serial links' high bandwidth, reliability, and performance are key requirements in automotive applications that enable modern vehicles' advanced infotainment and driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

In-vehicle cameras and displays connect to ECUs via a SerDes connection.  With MIPI A-PHY and Automotive SerDes Alliance (ASA), multiple silicon vendors use standard test methodologies and limit lines to create an interoperable ecosystem.

To help you save time and effort, Keysight offers solutions that automate the testing and validation of Automotive SerDes designs. These proven applications help ensure proper test configuration and valid, repeatable measurement results. The net result: you’ll have greater confidence that your device complies with the IEEE standard, a faster development cycle, repeatability of testing, and less human error.

Harness and Connector Validation

The AE2000L Automotive SerDes, a channel compliance solution, provides an easy and accurate way to verify and debug MIPI A-PHY harness assemblies, cables, and/or connectors. In this case, the channel represents the complete wired connection between two transmit/receive modules with a SerDes link. The AE2000L Automotive SerDes, a channel compliance solution, verifies that information is carried to its intended destination without loss or crosstalk. 

Link segment = Cabling + Inline connectors + Mating connectors

The Connector type is not standardized and will be specific to each connector vendor. The Keysight AE2000L channel compliance solution greatly simplifies automotive SerDes harness and connector compliance testing for MIPI A-PHY SerDes links.

Test Specifications

The AE2010L Automotive SerDes, channel compliance software, covers MIPI A-PHY and ASA. For additional information on each test case, please see the supported test specifications in chapter 5 of the

Save Time and Take Advantage of VNA Automation

The AE2000L is an automotive SerDes channel testing solution that includes hardware, accessories, and software. The software requires three licenses to run.

• The KS8400B is the base GUI test automation software from Keysight. 

• The AE6800C is the core software for channel testing.

• The AE2010L contains all the specific test cases for Automotive SerDes standards.

All three licenses are available under the AE2000L for purchase. The AE2010L channel compliance software saves you time by setting the stage for the automatic execution of required cable, connector, and harness tests. Some difficulties in performing these tests include correctly understanding the specification, configuring/ running the instrument/s, and then analyzing the measured results by comparing them to limits published in the specification. The AE2010L channel compliance software does much of this work for you.

The AE2010L channel compliance software is installed directly onto a vector network analyzer or the PC controlling the network analyzer. The AE2010L software automatically configures the VNA for the test. It provides an informative results report that includes insertion loss, crosstalk, mode conversion, and a pass/fail limit.