# Generic 8b/10b

The Generic 8b/10b protocol type decodes data that has been encoded using 8b/10b block coding. Block coding translates a block of data into a longer block of data that has more transitions between 1's and 0's in order to achieve higher transmission speeds.

- Because this 8b/10b protocol decode is generic, meaning any encoding other than 8b/10b is unknown, only decoded symbols are displayed.
- The Generic 8b/10b protocol decode decodes a single lane only. It does not handle multi-lane 8b/10b protocols.

For the Generic 8b/10b protocol decode, these options are available:

- Number of Sources — There is a maximum number of four sources.

- Data Source N — Specifies the input signal(s) to be decoded.

- Symbol Format — Specifies whether to display symbols using Labels, the K/D Codes, the 8-Bit representation, or the 10-Bit representation.

  When Label is selected, if no label is defined for the value (as is the case with K Codes), the K/D Code format (like "K28.0" for example) will be displayed.

- Display Format — Specifies the displayed format of the decoded values. You can select Hex, Decimal, Binary, or ASCII.

## Generic 8b/10b Decode Results

When a protocol decode is enabled, decode information is displayed with the data source in the Waveform window and packet information is displayed in the Protocol listing window. For example:

In this example:

- Protocol 1 decodes Channel 1, Label symbol format, Hex display format
- Protocol 2 decodes Channel 2, K/D Codes symbol format, Hex display format

## See Also

- Protocol Search