Multi-protocol embedded PCS IP in a FPGA-SOC

Several strategies that were employed for developing next-generation embedded Hard IP are reviewed. Mixed signal Hard IP developed for a multi-protocol serial interface physical layer at 0.622Gbps to 3.125Gbps was redeployed for 0.622Gbps to 6.375Gbps data rates. Ensuring quality meant adopting a strongly modular approach to design and verification. The configuration space of the Hard IP had to be bounded intelligently. Major architectural enhancements were necessary instead of a simple performance upgrade of the previous Hard IP. Verification complexity mandated design and verification re-use. Emulation and vendor soft IF interoperability testing was another strategy employed for first silicon success