LeCroy Introduces Error Injection System For Serial Attached SCSI and Serial ATA

SAS InFusion(tm) Sits In-Line and Modifies Traffic To Verify Fault-Handling Under 'Real World' Workloads

Chestnut Ridge, NY (March 2005) * LeCroy Corporation introduces SAS InFusion(tm), an error injector and traffic modification tool, developed by its Protocol Solutions Group, that allows technicians to verify real-world fault-handling for Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA (SATA) systems. The SAS InFusion system is designed to sit in the data path on a live system and automatically alter or corrupt traffic. Performing real time validation using actual workloads helps engineers uncover latent reliability issues that could affect system reliability. SAS InFusion offers the ability to drop packets, inject CRC or running disparity errors, as well as generate a wide range of invalid and marginal protocol conditions. The system can change any field - within any frame - as it moves across the bus. This allows unprecedented corner-case and protocol-level error injection for SAS and SATA traffic.

Unlike traffic generators, the InFusion traffic modifier does not require scripts or programming. It taps between a single 1.5 or 3 Gbps link using a standard SAS/SATA cable. The system transparently passes OOB and speed negotiation to bring the link up. The InFusion system then monitors the line, in real-time, waiting for a specific event or time interval. It can modify live traffic or pass frames through - as specified by the user. This type of load testing better reflects real-world operating conditions compared to unrealistic "clean traffic" simulations.

"With OEMs targeting SAS and SATA storage devices for enterprise-level applications, there is a pressing need to verify error recovery and resiliency at the system level," said Harry Mason, director of Industry Marketing for LSI Logic Corporation. "As a leading provider of SAS host controller, expander, and host bus adapter technology, we often need to simulate intermittent drive problems to validate the behavior at the higher application layers."

"In addition to injecting fatal link errors, the SAS InFusion system can also be used to modify header fields, at the bit-level, within a frame," stated James Wright, director of marketing of LeCroy's Protocol Solutions Group. "From invalid route table entries to out-of-order queue tags, the InFusion system can create soft errors with just a few clicks of the mouse."

Small, flexible, and easy to use, the SAS InFusion system is designed to be up and running within minutes. The system interfaces with a host PC over the LAN through any Ethernet port. It can also be detached from the LAN and controlled as a standalone instrument in the data center. An easy wizard-based interface allows users to quickly create custom test scenarios. A C++ API can also be used to control the error injection functionality.

Availability - The SAS InFusion and SATA InFusion systems will be released in the first quarter of 2005. For additional information, please contact LeCroy or its worldwide network of distribution partners. You can also visit www.lecroy.com.

About LeCroy
LeCroy Corporation is a worldwide leader in serial data test solutions, creating advanced instruments that drive product innovation by quickly measuring, analyzing and verifying complex electronic signals. The Company offers high-performance oscilloscopes, serial data analyzers and global communications protocol test solutions used by design engineers in the computer and semiconductor, data storage device, automotive and industrial, and military and aerospace markets. LeCroy's 40-year heritage of technical innovation is the foundation for its recognized leadership in "WaveShape Analysis" - capturing, viewing and measuring the high-speed signals that drive today's information and communications technologies. LeCroy is headquartered in Chestnut Ridge, New York. Company information is available at http://www.lecroy.com.