August 20, 2008 -- LeCroy Corporation, a supplier of oscilloscopes and serial data test platforms, announced the launch of its Voyager verification system, billed as "the world's first" protocol analyzer exerciser system for testing USB 3.0 devices, systems and software. Based on circuitry developed for LeCroy's PCI-Express platform, the sixth-generation Voyager protocol analyzer is designed help developers bring USB 3.0 products to market faster, while ensuring compatibility with an enormous installed base of USB 2.0 products.
"The emergence of USB 3.0, also known as SuperSpeed USB, promises to be a sizeable opportunity for LeCroy Corporation," comments LeCroy's president and CEO, Tom Reslewic. "USB was LeCroy's first protocol standard and, after more than ten years committed to focusing on high-speed analysis for serial data applications, we have established a commanding position in that dynamic market."
With data rates up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 and a growing pallet of emerging applications, USB 3.0 technology will target fast sync-and-go transfer applications in the PC, consumer and mobile segments that are necessary as digital media becomes ubiquitous and file sizes increase, maintains LeCroy.
For example, a typical 25-GB high definition digital movie will be able to be downloaded in as little as 70 seconds, versus hours for previous technologies. SuperSpeed USB will be backward-compatible and have the same ease-of-use and plug and play capabilities of previous USB technologies. In addition, the USB 3.0 specification will be optimized for low power and improved protocol efficiency.
"We are pleased to see LeCroy's long-time commitment to providing USB verification tools continue with support for USB 3.0," remarks Jeff Ravencraft, USB 3.0 Promoter Group chair. "Test tools like the LeCroy Voyager system will help developers bring USB 3.0 products to market quickly, while ensuring backward compatibility with USB 2.0."
The Voyager protocol analyzer provides simultaneous protocol capture of both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 signaling. The test platform uses the de facto standard CATC Trace display to illustrate USB 3.0 protocol and includes many enhancements to accelerate testing of USB 3.0 links. Elements such as advanced triggering, hardware filtering, and Spec View are designed to help developers quickly understand and verify early USB 3.0 protocol behavior.
"The Voyager is the obvious choice for USB developers targeting 3.0 or even considering SuperSpeed testing in the future," concludes Mike Micheletti, product marketing manager of LeCroy's Protocol Solutions group. "It includes best-in-class 2.0 analysis features and it is the only future-proof platform that is easily upgradeable to support the emerging SuperSpeed USB standard."
Shipments are expected to begin in September 2008.
On the Web:
www.lecroy.com
www.usb.org
