USB3Test log show “Diagnostics – read failed/Timeout reading”, but No Error count.

[Harry Wang]

USB3Test log file show “Diagnostics – Benchmark Read Failed” and “Diagnostics –Timeout reading benchmark data”, but No Error count.

Hi,

I plugin two USB3 loopback into my new MB and run the USB3 test benchmark test.

After 60 minutes test complete, the USB3 test summary show 0 Error count.


But I check the log file (USB3_benchmark_1_1211a.zip), there is one set “Diagnostics – Benchmark Read Failed” / “Diagnostics –Timeout reading benchmark data” message in log file.


Above message only happen 1 or 2 times in hour running.
But the message not count in test program error counter, it still show “0” after test complete.
So above test log show diagnostics message, is that a real error or just a notification for USB3 Test program?

Test Configuration
CPU: Intel i7-8665UE
OS: WIN10 x64 LTSC (Version 1809/ OS Build: 17763.805)
RAM: SODIMM DDR4-2400 16GB
Storage: NVME (M2 2280) 256GB
USB3 Test program Version: 2.0 ( 1008 )
USB3 Loopback F/W Version: V2.5
USB3 Loopback H/W Version: V1.0
USB3 loopback Driver version: 1.2.3.10

USB3Test configuration setting: I open two USB3 Test program, each test configuration are same.
(See 03 Test Configuration.png in USB3_benchmark_1_1211a.zip file)


Regards

Harry Wang
Feb/12/2020

[HamidK (PassMark)]

Hi,

We just released a new version of the USB3Test which increases the error count when a timeout occurs in benchmark mode.
The message "Benchmark read failed" is not a USB transfer error and will be changed to "Failed to release benchmark buffer" in the next release.

[Harry Wang]

Hi, HamidK

Thanks for update test tool. I understand this message not represent USB transfer error as per your reply.
I use this new USB3Tester (V2.0.1009) to test my board again.
But this new version will count this “Timeout reading benchmark data” as error count.
(Not you mention before "Failed to release benchmark buffer")


Check the log file “USB3_benchmark read and write 1 1217.txt”, this kind of message will record as “ERROR”.
I think this message will mislead test engineer and judge the test failed.

Log file: USB3_benchmark read and write 1 1217.zip

Can you update this to not count as error?
And not show fail message in log file.


Thanks

Harry Wang
Feb/17/2020

[Harry Wang]

Hi, HamidK

May I have any USB3Test parameter change to prevent this "Failed to release benchmark buffer"?


Thanks

Harry Wang
Mar/16/2020

[David (PassMark)]

Normally these errors are due to hardware faults. Can you post a screen shot.

[Harry Wang]

Hi, David

Here is photo summary:

In my first post message (Feb/12/2020), I test USB3 Test program Version: 2.0 (100
1st photo is test complete screen, Error Count is Zero.
However, in test log file (2nd photo). (And Log file: USB3_benchmark_1_1211a.zip)
It show read failed and Timeout reading bechmark data.

Feb/14, HamidK reply above issue is not USB transfer error
And there is a test program version update (V2.0.1009) to fix this issue.

I test this new version (V2.0.1009) but found this program count above log as Error.
(In my Feb/17 post message first photo)
I think this Error count will mislead tester to judge board USB error.
Maybe test program can increase the timeout setting to prevent this message?

Thanks.

Harry Wang
03/23/2020

[HamidK (PassMark)]

Hi,

Can you try reducing the transfer size or queue size to see it has any effect?

[Harry Wang]

Hi, HamidK

I try to modify the Transfer and Queue size.
I test below setting

1. Transfer size from 2MB to 64KB; Queue size from 64 to 1 -> Generate more error message. (Same timeout error)
2. Transfer size from 2MB to 64KB; Queue size keep 64 -> Generate more error message. (Same timeout error)
3. Transfer size from Keep 2MB ; Queue size from 64 to 1-> Generate more error message. (Same timeout error)

I notice above setting change will increase test frequency. Test programmer test more time than default setting.

So I try to modify Endpoint Options – Burst Length. Maximal value is 12 (default) and minimal is 1.
When I reduce this burst length to 5 or below. No Error found.
And I found the transfer rate is lower at low burst length setting

Burst length =1, Max Read 2385Mbps, Max Write only 1123Mbps
Burst length = 5, Max Read 2070Mbps, Max Write speed up to 206xMbps
Burst length = 12 (default), Max Read 2070Mbps, Max Write speed up to 325xMbps

Regards,

Harry Wang
Mar/30/2020

[Harry Wang]

Hi, HamidK

I already test above setting.
Can I reduce this burst length to 5 or below to fix this issue?

Thanks

Harry Wang
04/16/2020

[HamidK (PassMark)]

It should work with the default burst length (12) unless there is a hardware fault. So, we don't recommend reducing the burst length just to get rid of the error.
Can you please run loopback test with "check bus error" option enabled to see if there are any low level errors happening in the background?
Also please make sure the BIOS and host controller drivers are up-to-date.

[Harry Wang]

Dear HamidK

I test this USB3Test in loopback mode, Turn on the “Check bus errors”.
Test two USB3test simultaneous, test period 1 hr. No error recorder.


Regards,

Harry Wang
04/20/2020

[Harry Wang]

Dear HamidK

I extend the loopback test period to 12 hrs.
Still No error found


Regards

Harry Wang
04/21/2020

[HamidK (PassMark)]

Your testing shows that there are no low level errors in the background.
Our speculation is that the host controller has throughput issues when burst length is 5 or more.