QPHY-NBase-T
2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T Ethernet
Compliance Test Software
Instruction Manual
September 2023
Relating to:
MAUI™ Version 10.4.1.x and later
QualiPHY Version 10.4.1.x and later
700 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY, 10977-6499
Tel: (845) 425-2000, Fax: (845) 578 5985
teledynelecroy.com
© 2023 Teledyne LeCroy, Inc. All rights reserved.
This document does not contain export controlled information.
Customers are permitted to duplicate and distribute Teledyne LeCroy documentation for internal training purposes.
Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited.
Teledyne LeCroy and other product or brand names are trademarks or requested trademarks of their respective
holders. Information in this publication supersedes all earlier versions. Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
QualiPHYNBase-TManual.pdf
September 2023
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
i
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Software Installation and Setup ............................................................................................................ 2
Oscilloscope Requirements .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Other Required Equipment ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Install QualiPHY Application ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Activate Components in MAUI ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
Set Up the QualiPHY Application ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Set Up Remote Control (optional) ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Starting NBase-T Test Sessions ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
NBase-T Oscilloscope Testing ............................................................................................................ 11
Required Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Required Test Modes ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Deskew ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Oscilloscope Test Setup ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
NBase-T Oscilloscope Test Configurations ....................................................................................................................................... 16
NBase-T Oscilloscope Tests ................................................................................................................................................................ 17
NBase-T Oscilloscope Test Variables ................................................................................................................................................. 31
NBase-T Oscilloscope Test Limit Sets ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Using QualiPHY .................................................................................................................................. 33
QualiPHY Test Process ......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Generating Reports ................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Customizing QualiPHY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
X-Replay Mode ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Appendix A: Connecting to a T3AFG ................................................................................................... 39
Supported Models .................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Connecting to the AFG .......................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Table of Figures
Figure 1. Oscilloscope display after the Transmitter Clock Frequency test. ............................................................................... 17
Figure 2. Transmitter Clock Frequency Results ................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 3. Oscilloscope display after Transmitter PSD and Power Level Test ............................................................................. 19
Figure 4. Transmitter Power Level and PSD results. ....................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 5. Oscilloscope display after the Droop test. ........................................................................................................................ 21
Figure 6. Droop+ and Droop- results. .................................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 7: Connection diagram for Transmitter Nonlinear Distortion test when using a disturber. ......................................... 24
Figure 8: Oscilloscope after Transmitter Nonlinear Distortion test. ............................................................................................. 25
Figure 9. Oscilloscope display after the Transmitter Timing Jitter Master test. ........................................................................ 26
Figure 10. Transmitter Timing Jitter Master results. ....................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 11. Oscilloscope display after the Transmitter Timing Jitter Slave test. ......................................................................... 28
Figure 12. Transmitter Timing Jitter Slave results. .......................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 13. MDI Return Loss results. .................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 14. QualiPHY report summary and detail pages. ................................................................................................................. 34
ii
About This Manual
This manual assumes that you are familiar with using an oscilloscope−in particular the Teledyne LeCroy
oscilloscope that will be used with QualiPHY−and that you have purchased the QPHY-NBase-T software option.
Some of the images in this manual may show QualiPHY products other than QPHY-NBase-T, or were captured using
different model oscilloscopes, as they are meant to illustrate general concepts only. Rest assured that while the
user interface may look different from yours, the functionality is identical.
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
1
Introduction
QualiPHY is highly automated compliance test software meant to help you develop and validate the PHY (physical-
electrical) layer of a device, in accordance with the official documents published by the applicable standards
organizations and special interest groups (SIGs). You can additionally set custom variables and limits to test
compliance to internal standards.
QualiPHY is composed of a “wizard” application that enables the configuration and control of separate tests for
each standard through a common user interface. Features include:
• User-Defined Test Limits: tighten limits to ensure devices are well within the passing region, even if
subsequently measured with different equipment.
• Flexible Test Results Reporting that includes XML Test Record Generation. Understand device
performance distribution or obtain process information from the devices under test.
QPHY-NBase-T is an automated test package performing all the normative, real-time oscilloscope tests for 2.5G and
5GBase-T sources in accordance with the Physical Media Attachment (PMA) section of the NBase-T Specification,
IEEE 802.3bz.
The software can be run on any Teledyne LeCroy HD oscilloscope with at least 2 GHz bandwidth and a sample rate
of at least 10 GS/s, or on Teledyne LeCroy WaveMaster 8Zi-B and LabMaster 10Zi-A oscilloscopes with limited
specifications for the transmitter nonlinear distortion test.
2
Software Installation and Setup
QualiPHY is a Windows-based application that can be configured with one or more serial data compliance
components. Each compliance component is purchased as a software option.
Oscilloscope Requirements
Hardware
The software can be run on any Teledyne LeCroy HD real-time oscilloscope that meets the following bandwidth
(BW) and sample rate (SR) requirements:
• 2 GHz BW
• 10 GS/s SR
The transmitter nonlinear distortion test can be run on Teledyne LeCroy WaveMaster 8Zi-B and LabMaster10 Zi-A
oscilloscopes with limited specifications.
While not required, we recommend running QualiPHY on an oscilloscope equipped with Dual Monitor Display
capability. This allows the waveforms and measurements to be shown on the oscilloscope LCD display, while the
QualiPHY application and test results are displayed on the second monitor.
See the oscilloscope Operator’s Manual for instructions on setting up dual monitor display.
Software
The oscilloscope must be installed with:
• MAUI v.10.4.1.x minimum* with an activated QPHY-NBase-T option key
• QualiPHY v.10.4.1.x minimum with an activated QPHY-NBase-T component
• NI-VISA if using a T3AFG Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator to run Distortion tests
Note: The versions listed above are the minimum versions required for this product as shown here. MAUI and
QualiPHY software versions must match, so upgrade your version of QualilPHY if you have upgraded your
oscilloscope firmware. The QualiPHY software may be installed on a remote PC, but all other software must be run
on the oscilloscope.
Other Required Equipment
See the sections on oscilloscope testing for specific requirements.
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
3
Install QualiPHY Application
Download the latest version of the QualiPHY software from:
teledynelecroy.com/support/softwaredownload/ under Oscilloscope Downloads > Software Utilities
The application can be installed on either the test oscilloscope or on a remote host computer. For remote execution,
see Set Up Remote Control.
If the oscilloscope is not connected to the Internet, copy the installer onto a USB memory stick then transfer it to the
oscilloscope desktop or a folder on the D:\ drive to execute it.
Run QualiPHYInstaller.exe and follow the installer prompts. Choose all the components you plan to activate. If
you omit any components now, you will need to update the installation to activate them later.
By default, the oscilloscope appears as local host when QualiPHY is executed on the oscilloscope. Follow the steps
under Add Connection to QualiPHY to check that the IP address is 127.0.0.1.
Activate Components in MAUI
The serial data compliance components are factory installed as part of the oscilloscope application (MAUI) and are
individually activated through the use of an alphanumeric code uniquely matched to the oscilloscope’s serial
number. This option key code is what is delivered when purchasing a software option.
To activate a component on the oscilloscope:
1. From the menu bar, choose Utilities > Utilities Setup.
2. On the Options tab, click Add Key.
3. Use the Virtual Keyboard to Enter Option Key, then click OK.
If activation is successful, the key code now appears in the list of Installed Option Keys.
4. Restart the oscilloscope application by choosing File > Exit, then double-clicking the Start DSO icon on the
desktop.
4
Set Up the QualiPHY Application
The following general settings will persist with each test session you run in QualiPHY. We recommend these be
made as part of initial installation.
1. To begin, access QualiPHY by either:
• Choosing Analysis > QualiPHY from the oscilloscope menu bar
• Double-clicking the QualiPHY desktop icon on a remote computer or oscilloscope desktop.
2. When Pause on Failure is checked (default), QualiPHY will pause execution whenever a test fails and
prompt you to make corrections before retrying a measurement. Deselect this if you wish to allow tests to
continue to conclusion without interruption.
Note: The script will still pause when it is necessary to manually change the test mode or cabling, etc.
3. On the Wizard, click the General Setup button to continue configuration.
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
5
Connection Tab
4. The Connection tab shows the Address of the oscilloscope is local host 127.0.0.1 when QualiPHY is run
from the oscilloscope. If you are running QualiPHY from a remote computer, enter the network IP address
of the oscilloscope to which QualiPHY is currently connected.
The Scope Selector button allows you to choose the oscilloscope used for testing when several are
connected to a QualiPHY application run on a remote host. See Set Up Remote Control for details.
Session Info tab
5. The Session Info tab contains information that appears on reports, such as: Operator Name, Device Under
Test (DUT) name, Temperature (in °C) of the test location, and any additional Comments.
Check Disable session information dialog to use these global settings on all reports and enter the Operator
and DUT information. Otherwise, you will be presented with a dialog at the start of each session that
overrides these settings.
Also choose to Append Results or Replace Results (overwrite) when continuing a previous test session.
6
Report tab
6. The Report tab contains settings related to report generation. Choose a Reporting behavior of:
• Ask to generate a report after tests—to be prompted to create a new file for each set of test results.
• Never generate a report after tests—to manually execute the Report Generator.
• Always generate a report after tests—to autogenerate a report of the latest test results.
Choose a Default report output file format of XML, HTML, or PDF.
Optionally, check Allow style sheet selection in Report Generator to enable the use of a custom .xslt when
generating XML and HTML reports. The path to the .xslt is entered on the Report Generator dialog.
The Report Generator button launches the Report Generator dialog, which contains the same settings as
the Report tab, only applied to individual reports. This dialog appears automatically at the conclusion of
each test group if you have selected “Ask to generate a report after tests.”
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
7
Set Up Remote Control (optional)
Usually, the oscilloscope is the host computer for the QualiPHY software, and all models that meet the acquisition
requirements will also meet the host system requirements. However, the QualiPHY software can be executed from a
remote host computer.
Note: All other required software must be run from the oscilloscope.
To run QualiPHY remotely:
• The oscilloscope must be connected to a LAN and assigned an IP address (fixed or dynamic).
• The host computer must be on the same LAN as the oscilloscope.
Remote Host Computer Requirements
If you wish to run the QualiPHY software from a remote computer, these minimum requirements apply:
• Windows 10 Professional operating system
• 1 GHz or faster processor
• 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) of RAM
• Ethernet (LAN) network capability
• Hard Drive:
o At least 100 MB free to install the wizard application
o Up to 2 GB per standard installed to store the log database (each database grows from a few MB to a
maximum of 2 GB)
Configure Oscilloscope for Remote Control
1. From the oscilloscope menu bar, choose Utilities Utilities Setup...
2. Open the Remote tab and set Remote Control to TCP/IP.
3. Verify that the oscilloscope shows an IP address.
Add Oscilloscope Connection to QualiPHY
1. On the host PC, download and run QualiPHYInstaller.exe.
2. Start QualiPHY and click the General Setup button.
3. On the Connection tab, click Scope Selector.
4. Click Add and choose the connection type. Enter the oscilloscope IP address from Step 3 above. Click OK.
5. When the oscilloscope is properly detected, it appears on the Scope Selector dialog. Select the connection,
and click OK.
QualiPHY is now ready to control the oscilloscope.
Select Oscilloscope Connection
Multiple oscilloscopes may be accessible to a single remote host. In that case, go to General Setup and use the
Scope Selector at the start of each session to choose the correct connection.
QualiPHY tests the oscilloscope connection when starting a test. The software warns you if there is a connection
problem.
8
Starting NBase-T Test Sessions
Follow these steps to begin a new NBase-T test session in QualiPHY:
1. Access QualiPHY by either:
• Choosing Analysis > QualiPHY from the oscilloscope menu bar
• Double-clicking the QualiPHY desktop icon on a remote computer or oscilloscope desktop.
2. Open the QualiPHY wizard, select the Standard button and choose IEEE 802 Ethernet:
3. Choose the component (test type) you wish to run—NBase-T:
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
9
4. On the Wizard, click the Edit/View Configuration button and from the Configuration tab select the test
configuration you wish to run. Different configurations are designed to set key variables as required by
different test scenarios.
Note: Standard configurations are locked and cannot be changed. If you need to change any test variables,
such as Saved Waveform Path, you will be prompted to Save a copy. Select the new configuration to run
with modified variables. See Customizing QualiPHY for more information on creating custom
configurations.
5. Close the Configuration dialogs and click the Start button on the QualiPHY wizard.
10
6. Follow instructions to set up the test equipment on configuration dialogs/diagrams as they appear. See
p.13 for instructions on connecting TF-NBase-T to the DUT(s) and other instruments.
When the tests are complete, you will see a summary on the wizard dialog:
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
11
NBase-T Oscilloscope Testing
If you are new to QualiPHY, review Using QualiPHY to understand the conventions of the user interface.
Required Equipment
In addition to the oscilloscope, you’ll need the following to run the NBase-T oscilloscope tests.
For all tests:
• TF-NBase-T test fixture (includes required SMA-SMA and SMA-BNC cables)
For Distortion test:
• Arbitrary Waveform Generator, T3AFG200 recommended, see Appendix A
Required Test Modes
The NBase-T script requires that you place the DUT (Device Under Test) into the required test modes. The script will
prompt you to do so before each specific test, but it is recommended that you ensure the DUT is capable of being
placed in the required test modes before beginning testing.
12
Deskew
Deskewing input channels is important for test accuracy. The following procedure demonstrates how to manually
deskew two oscilloscope channels and cables using the differential data signal, with no need for any additional T-
connector or adapters. This can be done once the temperature of the oscilloscope is stable. The oscilloscope
should be warmed up for at least 20 min. before proceeding. Run the procedure again if the oscilloscope
temperature changes by more than a few degrees.
1. Connect a differential data signal to C1 and C2 using two approximately matching cables.
2. Set maximum sample rate at a timebase sufficient for a few repetitions of the pattern (a few dozen edges).
3. On the C2 setup dialog, check Invert. Now C1 and C2 should look the same.
4. Using the My Measure setup dialogs, set P1 to measure the Skew of C1, C2. Turn on Statistics (main
Measure dialog).
5. Record the mean Skew value after it stabilizes by adding: Data skew + cable skew + channel skew.
6. Swap the cable connections on the Data source side (on the test fixture), then press the Clear Sweeps
button on the oscilloscope (to clear the accumulated statistics, since we changed the input).
7. Record the mean Skew value after it stabilizes by adding: (-Data skew) + cable skew + channel skew.
8. Add the two mean Skew values and divide the sum in half:
UU
[Data skew + cable skew + channel skew] + [ (-Data skew) + cable skew + channel skew]
UU
2
The above formula simplifies to:
[cable skew + channel skew]
9. Enter the resulting value into the Deskew field on C1 setup dialog.
10. Restore the cable connections to their Step 1 settings, then press the Clear Sweeps button on the
oscilloscope.
The mean Skew value should be approximately zero - that is the data skew. Typically, results are <1 ps,
given that a test fixture is meant to minimize skew on the differential pair.
11. On the C2 setup dialog, clear the Invert checkbox.
12. Turn off the measurement parameters.
We used the default setup of the Skew parameter (which is detecting positive edges on both signals at 50%), and
inverted C2 in order to make C1 and C2 both have positive edges at the same time. Alternately, we could have
selected the Skew Clock 2 tab and set the oscilloscope to look for negative edges on the second input (C2).
However, we believe this approach is more intuitive, as it shows C1 and C2 with the same polarity.
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
13
Oscilloscope Test Setup
TF-NBase-T Test Fixture
The TF-NBase-T test fixture kit enables connection to a
2.5GBase-T, 5GBase-T or 10GBase-T Ethernet device (DUT)
for compliance testing with QualiPHY NBase-T software.
The kit includes:
SMA-SMA Cables, Qty. 2
10GBase Fixture PCA, Qty. 1
Calibration Board, Qty. 1
SMA Terminators, Qty. 6
Power Splitters, Qty. 2
SMA-BNC Cables, Qty. 4
CAT6 Ethernet Cables, Qty. 2
Storage Case (not shown), Qty. 1
There are three primary hardware configurations, depending
on which QualiPHY NBase-T test you are conducting.
Master and Slave Jitter Tests
1. Connect the Master and Slave DUTs to the Ethernet ports in PCA Section 2 using the CAT6 cables.
2. Attach SMA-BNC cables to the D +/- SMA connectors in PCA Section 2, then connect them to the oscilloscope
inputs.
14
Distortion Test
1. Connect the Master DUT to the Ethernet port in PCA Section 1 using a CAT6 cable.
2. Attach the SMA-SMA cables to the A +/–pair in Section 1, then connect each to a power splitter SMA
connector 1.
3. Attach an SMA-BNC cable to each power splitter SMA connector 2, then connect them to the oscilloscope
inputs.
4. Attach an SMA-BNC cable to each power splitter SMA connector S, then connect them to the Disturbing Sine
Wave Generator (Disturber).
5. Terminate unused inputs in Section 1.
6. As the test progresses, move the SMA-SMA cables to the next pair of inputs in Section 1, terminating unused
pairs.
NBase-T Ethernet Compliance Testing Instruction Manual
15
Other Tests
1. Connect the Master DUT to the Ethernet port in PCA Section 1 using a CAT6 cable.
2. Attach SMA-BNC cables to the A +/- pair in Section 1, then connect them to the oscilloscope inputs.
3. Terminate unused inputs in Section 1.
4. As the test progresses and the software prompts you, move the SMA-BNC cables to the next pair of
inputs in Section 1, terminating the unused pairs.
T3AFG Function/Automatic Waveform Generator
Test Mode 4 Distortion test can be run using an external AFG/AWG to generate the disturbing sine wave. The
T3AFG is supported for use with QualiPHY. See Appendix A for connection instructions if you are using a T3AFG.
16
NBase-T Oscilloscope Test Configurations
Test configurations include variable settings, limit sets, and test selections.
All Test Modes (Saved)
Performs all tests on previously saved waveforms stored in the Recall Waveform Path. Waveform files are
automatically recalled into Memories as needed.
All Test Modes (Live)
Perform all tests on newly acquired, live data. Waveform files are saved to subfolders of the Save Waveform Path
named <DUT>-<date-time>.
All Test Modes Except Distortion (Live)
Performs all tests except the Test Mode 4 Distortion test on newly acquired, live data. Waveform files are saved to
subfolders of the Save Waveform Path named <DUT>-<date-time>.
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
/
