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.
Further reading:
Semicon Summit 2025 - Dubai: Direct access to global chipmakers, built for Africa’s engineering needs
Design Automation
[Sponsored] The future of South Africa’s technology ecosystem depends on deeper integration with global supply chains and tighter alignment with semiconductor manufacturers. That alignment takes presence, interaction, and shared focus on real systems.
Read more...
Siemens unveils groundbreaking Tessent AnalogTest software
ASIC Design Services
Design Automation
Siemens Digital Industries Software recently introduced Tessent AnalogTest software - an innovative solution that reduces pattern generation time for analogue circuit tests from months to days.
Read more...
STM32Cube MCU package for STM32WBA
Design Automation
The STM32CubeWBA utility gathers in one single package all generic embedded software components required to develop an application on STM32WBA series microcontrollers.
Read more...
Why LabVIEW is critical to South Africa’s automation future
Design Automation
[Sponsored] In a world increasingly defined by connected systems, edge intelligence, and accelerating automation, the ability to build scalable, responsive, and maintainable engineering applications has never been more essential, and at the heart of this evolution lies LabVIEW.
Read more...
Take analogue designs from idea to reality
Design Automation
Bringing your analogue design ideas to life is simple with Microchip’s Analog Development Tool Ecosystem, part of its extensive range of solutions for both analogue and digital engineers.
Read more...
Accurate power estimation
Design Automation
AMD Power Design Manager 2025.1 is now available – with support for AMD Versal AI Edge and Prime Series Gen 2 SoCs and production support for AMD Spartan UltraScale+ devices.
Read more...
AMD Vivado Design Suite 2025.1
Design Automation
AMD Vivado Design Suite 2025.1 is here, and now with support for AMD Spartan UltraScale+ and next-generation Versal devices.
Read more...
Siemens streamlines design of integrated 3D ICs
Design Automation
Siemens Digital Industries Software recently introduced two new solutions to its EDA portfolio.
Read more...
Webinar: Designing in a connected environment
Design Automation
With Altium Designer and its data management platform, the team will always be up to date with the latest design documents and be able to comment on schematic, PCB, BOM and assembly drawings.
Read more...
ST’s graphical no-code design software
Design Automation
MEMS-Studio is a complete desktop software solution designed to develop embedded AI features, evaluate embedded libraries, analyse data, and design no-code algorithms for the entire portfolio of ST’s MEMS sensors.
Read more...
printer friendly version