Agilent/Keysight U4301B

The Keysight U4301B is a high-speed PCIe protocol analyzer module installed as a blade in AXIe chassis for detailed digital acquisition and analysis of PCI Express traffic. It supports PCIe Gen1 through Gen3 at 2.5 GT/s, 5.0 GT/s, and 8.0 GT/s, with link widths from x1 to x16. The module employs Equalization Snoop Probe (ESP) technology for non-intrusive, accurate data capture without bus loading.

Technical Specifications

• Protocol Support: PCI Express Gen1, Gen2, Gen3


• Speed Support: 2.5 GT/s (Gen1), 5.0 GT/s (Gen2), 8.0 GT/s (Gen3)


• Link Width Support: x1 through x16 unidirectional; x1 through x8 bidirectional (mid-bus probe), x1 through x16 bidirectional (solid slot or CEM slot interposer)


• Capture Buffer Memory: 8 GB per module; up to 16 GB for x16 bidirectional configurations


• Probing Technology: Equalization Snoop Probe (ESP) with non-intrusive measurement

Key Features

• Multiple Probe Architectures: Mid-bus probe, solid slot interposer, flying lead solder-down probe, CEM slot interposer, U.2 (SFF-8639) interposer, and M.2 (M-key) interposer for SSD testing


• Packet Visualization: Flexible packet decoding with color coding by type or direction; lane view displays actual bus data including headers and payloads


• Filtering and Triggering: State-based triggering with advanced filters; simple packet filters and quick search with auto compute


• LTSSM Analysis: Detailed Link Training and Status State Machine verification with equalization analysis and link failure identification


• Performance Metrics: Utilization, throughput, response time, and latency measurements with flow control analysis


• Traffic Analysis: Pattern analysis with graphical representation and real data throughput calculation


• Transactional Decode: PCIe, NVMe, and AHCI protocol support with queue selection and performance reporting


• Cross-Correlation: Synchronized time navigation across all analysis views

Typical Applications

• PCIe endpoint and switch characterization and compliance verification


• NVMe SSD performance and protocol analysis


• Link training and equalization troubleshooting


• System-level throughput and latency profiling


• Storage subsystem protocol validation

Compatibility & Integration Installs in Keysight AXIe chassis platforms including M9502A and M9505A. Supports direct probing of PCIe slots, U.2 connectors, and M.2 form factor devices.