Prodigy PGY-STEPg1 is automated electrical validation and protocol decode software for STEPg1, the 12 Gbps serial link Intel uses in its 16th-generation Core processors. STEPg1 encodes data in the width of positive and negative pulses, packing more bits into each cycle at a reduced supply voltage, which makes manual measurement impractical. Running on Tektronix DPO7000DX and SX oscilloscopes, the software identifies every symbol, delimiter and idle in the capture, measures each one across the whole waveform and decodes the data into Basic Transport Units (BTUs). Pertech is the authorized Prodigy distributor.
STEPg1 software highlights
- Decodes the acquired waveform into BTUs (Basic Transport Units)
- Automatically identifies Symbols 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6, delimiters and idle, and makes the electrical measurements
- Color marking of control and data symbols in each BTU
- Measurements over the entire acquired waveform for more reliable results
- User-defined limits for every electrical measurement
- Report saves the waveform images of the minimum and maximum value of each parameter
- Jitter measurement of repetitive symbols (requires Tektronix DPOJET)
- Python scripting for automation; CSV and TXT export
Measurements for each symbol
For Symbols 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6, PGY-STEPg1 measures:
- Symbol time
- Rise time and fall time
- Amplitude and peak-to-peak amplitude
- Common-mode voltage and AC RMS
- Jitter
Where the STEPg1 software earns its keep
- Electrical validation of STEPg1 links on new platforms
- Protocol debug of BTU traffic correlated with the physical layer
- Automated characterization runs through Python
- Documenting worst-case measurements with waveform images in the report
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | PGY-STEPg1 |
| Interface | STEPg1, 12 Gbps |
| Platform | Tektronix DPO7000DX and DPO7000SX |
| Decode | BTUs; Symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 6; delimiters; idle |
| Measurements | Symbol time, rise, fall, amplitude, peak-to-peak, common voltage, AC RMS, jitter |
| Jitter | Requires Tektronix DPOJET |
| Limits | User-defined |
| Automation | Python |
| Export | CSV and TXT; reports |
Frequently asked questions
What is STEPg1?
STEPg1 is a 12 Gbps high-speed serial link in Intel 16th-generation Core processors. It uses pulse width modulation of positive and negative pulses to carry more bits per cycle at a reduced supply voltage.
Which oscilloscopes does PGY-STEPg1 run on?
It integrates with Tektronix DPO7000DX and DPO7000SX series oscilloscopes. Jitter measurements also require Tektronix DPOJET.
What does the software measure?
For each symbol type it measures symbol time, rise and fall time, amplitude, peak-to-peak amplitude, common voltage, AC RMS and jitter, across the whole acquired waveform.
Can STEPg1 validation be automated?
Yes. The software supports Python scripting, user-defined limits and automatic reports that include the waveform images of the minimum and maximum value of each parameter.
Where can I buy Prodigy STEPg1 software in Israel?
Pertech is the authorized Prodigy distributor. Prodigy offers free online technical support and free software updates. Contact Pertech for a quote, a demo or help checking that your oscilloscope is supported.
Related Prodigy products at Pertech
- PCIe Protocol Decode Software
- USB 3.1 Protocol Decode Software
- PCIe Protocol Analyzer
- Prodigy protocol analyzers at Pertech
Validating a STEPg1 link? Contact Pertech for a quote, a demo or help choosing the right tool.
