SANBlaze SBExpress V.8.1 Software for Test Native NVMe PCIe and NVMe-oF Devices

SANBlaze Technology, Inc. announced its SBExpress Version 8.1 software release which provides NVMe SSD manufacturers the ability to test native NVMe PCIe and NVMe-oF devices.

Version 8.1 builds on the standard SBCert (Certified by SANBlaze) NVMe qualification platform adding advanced automated testing features including:

V8.1 software to test native NVMe and NVMe-oF SSDs.The release includes ZNS, VDM, TCG, and SRNS/SRIS testing and Python support.
SBCert automated testing for Zoned Namespaces (ZNS)
SBCert automated testing for TCG Opal Security Subsystem Class (SSC)
Clock mode testing SRIS/SRNS with Automation Test Suite
Advanced automated testing for Management Interface (MI) including:
- - PCIe VDM (Vendor Defined Message) transport testing
  - SMBus transport testing
  - NVMe MI In-band testing

Python API allowing access to all system features including:

- - Automation of power control and measurement
  - Automation of hot plug and surprise Removal
  - Remote control of the SBCert suite
  - Remote control of the SBExpress testbed

The SBExpress V8.1 software works in conjunction with the SBExpress-RM4 PCIe NVMe Gen4 test system hardware to test PCIe Gen4 NVMe devices. Further, in an NVMe-oF environment, the standalone V8.1 software tests NVMe-oF (TCP/IP, RoCE v1 or v2, iWarp) for true end-to-end testing on all NVMe devices. In summary, the company’s tests NVMe over everything.

“The ability to test zoned namespaces (ZNS), and the support of VDM and TCG are major features of our V8.1 software,” said Vince Asbridge, founder and president. “All 3 features are becoming critical as NVMe devices reach maturity and begin to replace SAS devices in the enterprise. SANBlaze allows vendors to verify compliance of these state-of-the-art technologies as they evolve, ensuring enterprise users receive product that meets their rigorous compliance standards. VDM provides a transport for MI not requiring a live OS, by using the PCIe transport for message passing. TCG Opal brings standardization to drive-based encryption and security, while ZNS provides storage optimized for enterprise performance and reliability. These features are critical for the success of NVMe in the enterprise and SANBlaze provides the first platform to integrate qualification of these critical technologies.“

SBExpress V8.1 provides NVMe testing through the firm’s PCIe Gen4 rack mount appliance, the SBExpress-RM4. The SBExpress-RM4 provides the ability to test 16 single or dual port drives in one enclosure.

The SBExpress V8.1 software introduces a Python API allowing access to all capabilities for integration into existing customer Python test suites, providing both Python V3 and Python V2 support. In addition to PCIe NVMe devices, SBExpress V8.1 software supports NVMe-oF, FC, FCoE, iSCSI, and SAS.

Resources:
Testing NVMe-MI over PCIe VDM
Python Support for Verifying NVMe SSDs
Verification of ZNS
Verification of TCG Opal SSC

Read also:
From SANBlaze, VDM Support for SBExpress NVMe Gen 4 Test Systems
Bundled VDM hardware module with management interface packet generator that allows engineers to build custom test scenarios or run any combination of built-in certified by management interface tests
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From SANBlaze, Availability of TCG Opal Verification Testing for NVMe SSDs
Trusted Computing Group Storage Work Group developed Core spec, known as TCG Storage Architecture Core spec, which provides definition of security related functions for storage device.
April 23, 2020 | Press Release
SANBlaze Adds Zoned Namespaces Support for SBExpress Test Platform
Capable validation and test platform for early adopters – system and NVMe device OEMs – to enable timely release and support of NVMe technology
April 10, 2020 | Press Release