RDK alternative to PCIe analyser

12 November 2008 Design Automation

The PEX 8624, PEX 8632, and PEX 8648 Gen 2 switch hardware reference design kits (RDKs) from PLX Technology are used to help engineers bring up PCI Express (PCIe) designs quickly. They can also be configured into a PCIe packet generator. Although the limited capabilities of a packet generator can not completely replace a PCIe analyser, the basic need to saturate a PCIe Gen 2 link is one of the many features of these RDKs. This solution is a viable option for engineers who do not have access to a PCIe analyser.

Any size from 4 Bytes up to 2048 Bytes, with memory read and/or memory write TLP can be constructed. Engineers have the flexibility to specify a memory write sequence or have the software randomly generate data to be written. Incremental pattern data can also be generated if necessary.

Another option available is to interject any amount of clock delay between each TLP. Memory reads and writes can be intertwined depending on the user defined sequence of events. Other features such as performance monitor and SerDes eye measurement provide cost savings by using less expensive tools and the ability to re-use RDKs across multiple projects.

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