Deep Dive into SpaceWire Link Analysis with the Mk3
When developing and testing equipment utilizing the SpaceWire standard, understanding the data traffic on the link is critical. The SpaceWire Link Analyser Mk3 from STAR-Dundee provides engineers with the necessary tools to unobtrusively monitor, capture, and analyze SpaceWire communication. This article delves into the capabilities and benefits of this essential piece of debugging and analysis equipment.
Understanding SpaceWire Link Analysis
SpaceWire is a high-speed data communication link widely used in aerospace applications. Analyzing SpaceWire links involves monitoring the data flow, identifying errors, and validating correct operation. This process is crucial for:
- Validating Link Operation: Ensuring data is transmitted and received correctly.
- Debugging: Identifying and resolving issues in hardware and software.
- Performance Analysis: Optimizing data throughput and latency.
Introducing the SpaceWire Link Analyser Mk3
The Link Analyser Mk3 is designed to address these challenges by offering a comprehensive suite of features for SpaceWire link analysis. It excels in:
- Unobtrusive Monitoring: Transparently capturing data without disrupting the link.
- Bi-Directional Traffic Analysis: Displaying traffic flow in both directions.
- Real-Time Statistics: Providing live updates on link performance.
- External Logic Analyzer Output: Decoded SpaceWire characters and events can be sent to external logic analyzers for deeper inspection.
This level of visibility is indispensable for developers and testers working with SpaceWire products.
Key Features of the Link Analyser Mk3
The Link Analyser Mk3 boasts a range of features specifically designed to streamline SpaceWire analysis:
- Capture and Display: Records up to 67 million events, including SpaceWire characters, data, time-code values, and errors.
- Multi-Level Views: Captured traffic can be viewed in bit-stream, character, packet, and network views within the software.
- RMAP Protocol Analysis: Decoding of RMAP packets is supported, displaying packet fields according to the RMAP standard.
- Search Functionality: Locate specific SpaceWire characters or data sequences within captured traffic.
- Selective Capture: Enable or disable capture of specific SpaceWire character types to optimize memory usage.
- Error Injection: Inject errors into the SpaceWire bit-stream for testing error handling mechanisms.
- External Triggering: Interface with external equipment using SMB triggers for synchronized capture.
- Live Statistics: Monitor critical link parameters in real-time through the status counter view.
- CSV Export: Export captured traffic to CSV format for custom analysis.
Technical Specifications
Here's a summary of the Link Analyser Mk3 technical specifications:
- Part Number: 162
- Size: 110 x 30 x 112 mm (excluding feet)
- Power: +5V DC (power brick supplied)
- SpaceWire Ports: 2 ports compliant with ECSS-E50-12A, ECSS-E-ST-50-12C and ECSS-E-ST-50-12C Rev.1 standards.
- Maximum Speed: 400 Mbit/s
- Connectors: 9-pin micro-miniature D-type
- USB Port: USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1)
- Certification: CE/FCC certified
- Connectors: 2 x SpaceWire ports, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 2 x 40 pin MICTOR logic analyser connectors (1 operational) and 4 SMB connectors (1 trigger in, 1 trigger out and 2 disabled)
Software and Support Included
The Link Analyser Mk3 comes with a comprehensive software suite and support package, including:
- Windows and Linux Drivers: Compatible with Windows 10, 8, and 7, as well as Linux kernels 5.x, 4.x, and 3.x.
- Link Analyser Mk3 Software Application: An intuitive application for controlling the analyzer and visualizing captured data.
- C API: A C API with example code allows for integration into custom applications.
- User Manuals: Detailed documentation for easy setup and operation.
- USB Cable: Included for convenient connection to a host PC.
- Technical Support and Maintenance: One year of technical support and maintenance are included for peace of mind.
How it Works: A Typical Workflow
- Connection: The Link Analyser Mk3 is connected between two SpaceWire devices using SpaceWire cables.
- Configuration: The user sets up the capture trigger, specifying the conditions for data capture, such as specific SpaceWire characters or error events, using provided software.
- Capture: When the trigger condition is met, the analyser captures SpaceWire characters and errors, including a trace of data and strobe signals, into its hardware memory.
- Upload: After the capture is complete, the data is uploaded to a host PC via USB 3.0 for further analysis.
- Analysis: The recorded data can then be viewed and analyzed using the Link Analyser Mk3 software.
Advantages over Previous Versions
The Link Analyser Mk3 represents a significant upgrade over previous models like the original Link Analyser and the Mk2. Key improvements include:
Conclusion
The SpaceWire Link Analyser Mk3 is an indispensable tool for anyone working with SpaceWire technology. Its comprehensive feature set, ease of use, and robust design make it ideal for validating link operation, debugging issues, and optimizing system performance. By providing unparalleled visibility into SpaceWire traffic, the Link Analyser Mk3 empowers engineers to develop and deploy reliable and efficient SpaceWire-based systems. For more advanced analysis, consider pairing it with the SpaceWire Recorder Mk2.
