Tableau Forensic PCIe Bridge T7u – Professional Write Blocker
Price:
$547.00
Please note that there is a potential lead time of at least 2 weeks (14 days) for OpenText items. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
The Tableau Forensic PCIe Bridge T7u is a professional-grade write blocker designed for secure, read-only acquisition of PCIe solid-state drives. With transfer speeds up to 330 MB/s via USB 3.0, the T7u enables digital forensics investigators to image M.2 NVMe and PCIe SSDs without altering original evidence.
Key Benefits:
- ✅ Hardware-based write blocking ensures forensic integrity
- ✅ Compatible with PCIe Gen 1, 2, and 3 SSDs (x1, x2, x4 lanes)
- ✅ Plug-and-play USB 3.0 connectivity (no drivers required)
- ✅ Supports NVMe, AHCI, and legacy PCIe storage protocols
- ✅ Includes Tableau Forensic Bridge (TFB) software for monitoring
NOTE: The Tableau Forensic PCIe Bridge must be used in combination with one of the Tableau PCIe Adapters: Tableau PCIe Card SSD Adapter, Tableau PCIe M.2 SSD Adapter, or Tableau PCIe Adapter for Apple SSD
Note
Online Purchases and Pricing are for the US only.
For International Purchases and Support Please Contact Us.
For International Purchases and Support Please Contact Us.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
| Connectors: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Host (Left) Side | USB 3.0 | One USB 3.0 Standard-B connector |
| Device (Right) Side | PCIe | One Proprietary PCIe connector |
| Top Side | DC Input | One 5-pin Mini-DIN connector for the Tableau TP2 power supply, and one bayonet connector for the Tableau TP5 power supply. |
| Switches | |
|---|---|
| DIP Switch | The 4-position DIP switch configures user-selectable options that are not required for normal operation. See the T7u Quick Reference Guide for more information |
| User Interface | |
|---|---|
| LCD | 2 Row x 16 Column monochrome LCD character display with LED backlight |
| Buttons | Three buttons: “Menu” and “Enter” buttons for navigation, plus an “On/Off” button to control the power |
| Other Features | |
|---|---|
| Status LEDs | Six LEDs: DC IN, Power, Host (detect), Device (detect), Wrt Block (enabled), Activity |
| Compatibility | |
|---|---|
| PCIe Device | PCIe devices that comply with the AHCI standard or NVMe 1.0 specification are supported by the TDA7 family of PCIe adapters |
| Host OS | Microsoft Windows version 7, 8, 10 |
| Macintosh OS X | |
| Most modern Linux distributions (Note: Linux distributions have varying levels and quality of support for USB 3.0) |
| Physical / Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Power | 12 watts typical operating (not including PCIe device or TDA7-family adapter) |
| Supply Voltage (DC IN) | +5V @ 0.35A (max), +12V @ 0.25A (max) when powered using a Tableau TP2 power supply |
| +12V @ 0.4A (max) when using a Tableau TP5 power supply | |
| Output Voltage (DC OUT) | +12VDC @ 2.0A (max) |
| Dimensions | 5.625 in. (L) x 3.25 in. (W) x 1.125 in. (H) |
| Weight | 7.2oz (204g) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 55 degrees C (no airflow) |
| Storage Temperature Range | -20 to 60 degrees C |
| Relative Humidity | Up to 90% (non-condensing) |
Why Choose the Tableau T7u PCIe Write Blocker?
The T7u is engineered for incident response teams, law enforcement agencies, and corporate forensic labs requiring tamper-proof evidence acquisition. Unlike software-based solutions, the T7u provides hardware-enforced write protection that cannot be bypassed by malware or operating system vulnerabilities.
Forensic Applications
- Data Breach Investigations: Acquire compromised SSDs from servers and workstations
- Malware Analysis: Image infected PCIe drives for sandbox testing
- eDiscovery: Preserve electronic evidence for legal proceedings
- Incident Response: Rapid on-site acquisition of NVMe storage
Technical Superiority
The device supports PCIe lane widths from x1 to x4, automatically negotiating with the target SSD for optimal performance. The T7u’s firmware-level write blocking operates independently of the host operating system, making it compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux forensic workstations.
What’s Included
- Tableau T7u PCIe Bridge unit
- USB 3.0 Type-B cable (3 ft)
- PCIe slot adapter bracket
- Tableau Forensic Bridge software license
- Quick start guide and warranty documentation
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is a PCIe write blocker?
A PCIe write blocker is a forensic hardware device that allows read-only access to PCIe solid-state drives. It prevents any write commands from reaching the storage device, ensuring the original evidence remains unaltered during acquisition. The Tableau T7u uses firmware-level write protection to block all modification attempts at the hardware layer.
How fast is the Tableau T7u write blocker?
The T7u achieves transfer speeds up to 330 MB/s via USB 3.0, allowing a 256 GB PCIe SSD to be imaged in approximately 13 minutes. Actual speeds depend on the target SSD’s generation (PCIe Gen 1/2/3) and the host system’s USB controller.
Is the T7u compatible with NVMe SSDs?
Yes. The T7u supports NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol, which is used by most modern M.2 and PCIe SSDs. It also supports AHCI and legacy PCIe storage devices.
What operating systems work with the Tableau T7u?
The T7u is OS-independent and works with:
- Windows (7, 8, 10, 11, Server editions)
- macOS (10.12+)
- Linux (kernel 3.x and newer)
Can the T7u write block-encrypted PCIe drives?
Yes. The T7u operates at the **hardware protocol level**, before encryption/decryption occurs. It will present the encrypted drive to the forensic workstation in read-only mode. Decryption must be handled by forensic software (e.g., Passware, EnCase) after acquisition.
What's the difference between the T7u and T8u?
- T7u: PCIe to USB 3.0 (330 MB/s max)
- T8u: PCIe to USB 3.1 Gen 2 (800 MB/s max)
Does the T7u require external power?
No. The T7u is bus-powered via USB 3.0. However, high-power PCIe drives may require the optional DC power adapter (sold separately) for stability during imaging.
Is the Tableau T7u NIST-certified?
The T7u complies with NIST SP 800-86 (Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response) and has been validated by forensic labs worldwide. OpenText Tableau devices are recognized by courts in the US, EU, and Asia-Pacific regions.
What warranty comes with the T7u?
The device includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty covering hardware defects. Extended warranties and advance replacement options are available for enterprise customers.
Can I use the T7u for live system acquisition?
No. The T7u is designed for powered-off or pre-boot acquisition. For live memory or disk acquisition, consider Tableau’s T35es or T8u with hotswap capabilities.
