Gen 2 introduced 128b/132b encoding, which is significantly more complex than previous versions. The N8821A software allows customers to debug and validate their Gen 2 implementations by allowing them to quickly show protocol decode, search with protocol-level triggers, and use time-correlated views to troubleshoot serial protocol problems back to timing or signal integrity. The software will also work with USB Type-C implementations of USB 3.1 Gen 2.

"USB and the Type-C connector continue to draw strong interest from our customers," said Dave Cipriani, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Oscilloscope and Protocol Division. "Our USB 3.1 protocol decode software is another example of Keysight software solutions providing insight so our customers can get their products to market faster."