Agilent Technologies Introduces Second-Generation FlexRay Option for InfiniiVision Series Oscilloscopes

FlexRay in-vehicle networking is the automotive standard for deterministic, fault-tolerant, high-speed data communication. FlexRay technology delivers the networking performance required for newer automotive applications such as brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire. FlexRay networks have much higher bandwidth than existing controller-area networks (CAN), and are expected to be the communication backbone for emerging drive-by-wire applications. The advantage of CAN is reduced car weight and energy consumption and increased safety and reliability.

In addition to its existing frame triggering and hardware-based decoding capabilities, Agilent's new FlexRay option now offers eye-diagram mask testing and a comprehensive FlexRay physical-layer conformance test software package.

Eye-diagram mask testing is one of the most important physical-layer measurements that designers can use to test the overall signal quality of their FlexRay networks. Engineers can download seven different FlexRay eye-diagram mask test files from Agilent's Web site at no charge. For TP4 testing at a receiver's input, Agilent's eye-diagram mask test algorithm uses a unique hardware-based clock recovery technique that closely emulates FlexRay receiver clock re-synchronization and provides the fastest throughput in the oscilloscope industry.

Engineers also can download the FlexRay physical layer conformance test software from Agilent's Web site at no additional charge. This PC software is based on Agilent's award-winning compliance test framework used in Infiniium oscilloscopes. FlexRay designers can now perform automated tests at receiver input or transmitter output test points. Up to 33 different physical-layer parameters can be tested, including the signal integrity voting test on isolated ones and zeros. The test report includes comprehensive pass/fail results and margin analysis based on published specifications.

In addition to offering enhanced measurement capabilities, Agilent's second-generation FlexRay option is much easier to use and configure. The option also has a significantly lower net price, as the VPT1000 vehicle protocol test module is no longer required. Option FLX is now available on Agilent's entry-level InfiniiVision 5000 Series DSO oscilloscopes, which makes it the lowest-priced FlexRay physical-layer test solution in the industry.