USB 2.0 is a widely used system bus, due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. The bus uses differential signaling and its bit rate ranges from 1.5 Mb/s (low speed) to 480 Mb/s (high speed). To ensure that USB 2.0 implementations are robust and interoperable, the standard defines a series of tests, including mask testing and parametric testing of low-speed, full-speed, and high-speed for devices, hosts, and hubs. This datasheet describes TekExpress USB2 Electrical Testing Software (option 5-CMUSB2/6-CMUSB2) for the 5/6 Series MSO, which automates the standard tests.

Even without the USB2 Electrical Testing Software option, the 5/6 Series MSO offers a versatile range of signal analysis tools for design validation and debug.

It is recommended to perform pre-compliance testing of the measurements during the designing and prototyping stages to identify and address the potential USB 2.0 design issues and then send the product for compliance testing. This reduces the product failure risk at the USB workshop or at the test house. You can save time, reduce the expenses and also identify specification conditions by performing pre-compliance tests.

The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF) defines a suite of tests that determine compliance with the USB 2.0 standard. The goal of the testing is to confirm a design’s reliability and compatibility. Designers must pass all compliance tests recommended by the USB-IF to use the USB-IF logo on their packaging. However, many designers also use the tests to perform validation and margin testing, thereby increasing confidence in their designs.

Manually performing the standard tests is difficult and requires significant expertise, but the 5/6 Series MSO, equipped with Option 5-CMUSB2/6-CMUSB2, facilitates testing by handling oscilloscope setup, automating tests, evaluating pass/fail results, and report generation. The option is built on the proven TekExpress® automated serial compliance testing platform.