Allion Software for USB4^® Electrical Test Automation (ASUE)

Highlights from the Latest USB4^® Specification

USB4^® Specification released the latest version 2 by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in September 2022, which includes the following features:

1. With USB4 V2, data can be transferred at speeds of up to 80Gbps. Additionally, it supports asymmetric transmission, enabling speeds of up to 120Gbps in one direction and 40Gbps in the other.
2. Multiple data and display protocols to efficiently share the maximum aggregate bandwidth.
3. Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 4.

Optimize Your Tx/Rx Testing Efficiency

Due to the extensive range of electrical tests required for USB4^® (Thunderbolt3/4/5), it takes over 5 days to manually test a single port. On top of that, it requires multiple test configurations and speed adjustments. With manual testing, even a small mistake in the initial setup can lead to inaccurate results. That’s why automation is so valuable—it significantly reduces the risk of human error. This is exactly why Allion developed its automated testing software: to make the process faster and more reliable.

What is Allion Software for USB4^® Electrical Test Automation (ASUE), and How Can it Benefit Me?

Allion Software for USB4^® Electrical Test Automation (ASUE) is designed as an automatic software for USB4 V1/V2, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5 Electrical compliance tests, including Transmitter compliance tests, Receiver compliance tests, and Receiver calibration.

This solution simplifies the testing process, helping users avoid setup errors, bypass complex processes, and even run tests overnight for extended operations—saving valuable time and effort.

By running these electrical tests in-house before formal certification, you can ensure PHY quality and reduce hardware change during certification.

Allion utilizes USB4® Electrical Test Automation Solution to streamline compliance testing for multi-lane standards. It operates on the Keysight V/Z/UXR series of scopes and the Anritsu MP1900A BERT or Keysight M8040A BERT, delivering optimized performance for the fastest compliance test throughput.

For Tx testing, both lanes are captured and analyzed using the Keysight high-performance scopes. For Rx testing, multiple iterations of long waveform records are captured and analyzed as part of receiver calibration, with the Anritsu MP1900A BERT or Keysight M8040A BERT serving as the stressed signal generator. The Tx and Rx compliance tests are fully automated through the Allion Software for USB4^® Electrical Test Automation (ASUE), allowing comprehensive USB4® compliance test results to be obtained with just a single push of a button.

What Core Value Do We Offer You?

The core value of our USB4® Electrical Test Automation Solution lies in saving time and shortening your project schedule, while enabling faster turnaround time for your equipment and testing personnel through the following three efficiency features:

The Five Specific Advantages of the Solution

1. Fully Automated
   The testing process is fully automated with only a few simple clicks, eliminating the need for human intervention.
2. Platform Compatibility
   The software is compatible with all platforms, including Intel, AMD, and re-timers from Intel, Parade, and Kandou.
3. Higher Time Efficiency
   The software shortens projects schedules and speeds up turnaround time.
4. Consistent Quality
   The unified test process and detailed logs ensure consistent quality and are free of human errors.
5. Expand Equipment Usage
   The software is integrated on a specific control PC provided by Allion, maximizing the utilization of high-value instruments.

The Key Features of Allion Software for USB4^® Electrical Test Automation (ASUE)