Comprehensive SERDES and Serial Link Characterization

Advanced solutions for evaluating SERDES performance and validating high-speed serial link reliability in modern data center systems

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Overview

High-speed digital systems depend on the seamless performance of SERDES (Serializer/Deserializer) and serial communication links. These critical interfaces handle the rapid transmission of data across backplanes, PCBs, and system-level interconnects. This webpage offers a comprehensive look into SERDES and High-Speed Serial Link Characterization, explaining how proper validation ensures low jitter, minimal crosstalk, and optimal signal integrity.

For businesses across North America operating in data-driven environments, ensuring clean data transmission through these high-speed links is essential. From data centers and telecom systems to embedded computing platforms, precise characterization of SERDES interfaces helps avoid performance bottlenecks and system-level failures.

EMISIforDataCenters provides advanced B2B technologies, systems, and services designed for this purpose. With our expanding presence across North America, we offer cutting-edge tools, technical expertise, and field-tested systems that empower engineers and IT professionals to optimize performance, improve reliability, and future-proof infrastructure.

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Trusted Solutions from Industry Leaders

In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for SERDES and High-Speed Serial Link Characterization, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.

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SERDES and High-Speed Serial Link Characterization System Design

Core Hardware Components

High-Performance Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO)

Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT)

Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

Signal Generator and Pattern Generator

Software and Analysis Tools

Eye Diagram and Jitter Analysis Software

  • Included with the GAO-DSO-105 – enabling detailed breakdown of total jitter into deterministic and random components, and real-time visualization of eye openings.

BER Data Collection and Reporting Software

  • Works with GAO-BERT-108 – for automated BER measurements, logging, and statistical reporting to identify error patterns and link stability.

S-Parameter and Channel Modeling Tools

  • Accompany the GAO-VNA-106 – for calibration, sweep control, and advanced analysis of frequency-dependent channel impairments.

Testing Procedures and Capabilities

Eye Diagram Measurement

Capture and analyze eye height, width, and mask compliance on high-speed SERDES lanes using the DSO.

Bit Error Rate Testing

Conduct long-duration BER tests under varying data patterns and jitter conditions with the BERT to verify link margin and error resilience.

Channel Characterization

Use VNA to measure insertion and return loss across connectors, cables, and PCB traces to understand signal degradation.

Signal Stress Testing

Inject controlled jitter and noise with the signal generator to test the robustness of link equalization and clock recovery circuits.

Pattern Generation

Create standard or customized data sequences (PRBS7, PRBS15, etc.) to simulate realistic traffic and identify timing margins.

Use Cases

Validation of PCIe Gen 4/5, USB 3.x, and 100G+ Ethernet links in data center hardware.

Troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of intermittent errors in high-speed serial lanes.

Qualification of new backplane designs and connector transitions in server architectures.

Compliance testing for industry standards in embedded systems and telecommunications equipment.

Performance optimization for high-speed FPGA SERDES and ASIC interfaces.

Key Features & Functionalities
  • Real-Time Signal Capture – Measure eye diagrams, jitter, and bit error rates (BER) at Gbps+ speeds.
  • Equalization and De-embedding Support – Tools enable analysis of pre- and post-equalization channels.
  • Jitter Analysis – Break down total jitter into components like random, deterministic, and periodic jitter.
  • S-Parameter and Channel Modeling – Assess return loss, insertion loss, and reflection with VNA support.
  • Pattern Generation and Error Injection – Simulate transmission under real-world loads and faults.
  • Eye Mask Compliance Testing – Validate against standards like PCIe, USB, Ethernet, and more.
  • Interfaces Supported – PCIe Gen 3/4/5, SATA, USB 3.x, 10G/40G/100G Ethernet, Fibre Channel, DisplayPort
  • Protocol Awareness – Compatible with industry-standard link-layer protocols
  • System Integration – Works with FPGA-based test platforms, backplane testbeds, and PCB validation environments
  • Characterization of SERDES-based interconnects in AI servers and data center backplanes
  • Evaluation of clock/data recovery circuits and equalization performance
  • Validation of multi-gigabit interconnects in high-performance embedded systemsy
  • Troubleshooting BER and jitter-related failures in telecom infrastructurey
  • Stress testing of serial links in next-generation compute and storage modules
  • Data Centers
  • Telecommunications
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Automotive Electronics
  • Enterprise Networking
  • Embedded Computing
  • IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet)
  • PCI-SIG (PCI Express)
  • USB-IF (USB 3.x, USB4)
  • JEDEC (DDR and high-speed memory interfaces)
  • FCC Part 15 (EMI Compliance – U.S.)
  • ISED Canada RSS-GEN (General Requirements – Canada)

Case Study

Case Study 1: High-Speed Link Tuning in a U.S. Cloud Data Center

A major cloud service provider needed to validate 100G serial links in its blade server architecture. Using systems from EMISIforDataCenters and GAO Tek, the engineering team identified marginal eye openings and signal distortion caused by connector reflections. Corrective action included backplane redesign and equalization tuning, resulting in a 37% reduction in BER.

Case Study 2: PCIe Link Validation in a Texas-Based AI Hardware Startup

A startup deploying PCIe Gen 4 interconnects across GPU clusters experienced random data loss. Our team provided jitter and eye mask testing tools integrated with FPGA boards. Root causes were traced to cross-talk and inadequate lane skew tolerance. Our validation tools led to a full system redesign that improved stability by 65%.

Case Study 3: SERDES Compliance Testing in Ontario-Based Telecom Lab

An Ontario-based telecom test facility partnered with EMISIforDataCenters to validate high-speed serial links for 5G infrastructure. Utilizing GAO Tek’s real-time analyzers and S-parameter modeling, engineers successfully qualified 25G and 50G links under full traffic loads, achieving compliance with IEEE and JEDEC specs.

Looking to evaluate or troubleshoot high-speed serial links and SERDES interfaces in your systems?

Reach out to EMISIforDataCenters today for personalized consultation, product support, or to explore a complete test and characterization solution for your environment. Contact Us Now to speak with our experts and learn how we can help.

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