We are doing ethernet data testing and thus have a need to trigger off of 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 1000BaseT ethernet "data". When I say "data", I mean the area of the ethernet packet or data stream, where the actual data (payload) resides... our only apparent capability is to trigger at the beginning of the ethernet (physical layer) signal. We need to be able to go drill deep into the packet, and identify or select (i.e. "trigger off of") the data (payload) area (i.e. bypass all of the pre-amble, source / destination addressing, and all other "pre-data" areas of the data stream.
Not too familiar with protocol analyzers but even so, I'm thinking we need oscilloscope capabilities, since we are dealing with the Physical Layer... Thoughts? What are our options?
Thank you,
Joe Cianchetta
Not too familiar with protocol analyzers but even so, I'm thinking we need oscilloscope capabilities, since we are dealing with the Physical Layer... Thoughts? What are our options?
Thank you,
Joe Cianchetta
For 10BaseT and 100BaseT, on Infiniium Scopes, you might be able to use the N8825A/B Infiniium 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX Ethernet Decoder. I don't think it does Payload triggering, but it usefule to you.
I don't know of a scope based solution for 1000BaseT. IIRC, 1000BaseT uses all 4 pairs and spreads that data across the pairs. That might preclude the use of a scope.
Maybe a combination of a dedicated Ethernet Protocol Analyzer, with a HW trigger output, connected to the Trigger In of a scope, will give you what you need. The scope can provide some decode, but also the Physical Layer of the Ethernet signal.
Al