SerDes Development Flow

SerDes model development begins with the SerDes Designer app. The app exports a Simulink^® model with transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) SerDes models and a testbench to simulate and further develop the SerDes designs. Test the models in the Signal Integrity Toolbox to verify proper IBIS-AMI model operation in a target EDA tool. Due to the high performance of IBIS-AMI executable models, run many simulations to verify the full range of model capabilities, testing with all possible AMI parameters and a variety of stimuli and interconnect channels. Replicate the simulation cases warranting closer inspection in Simulink to reproduce and debug the test. Repeat this cycle as many times as needed, updating the .qcd/.edk project files and Simulink model.

Create SerDes Toolbox System Model

Open the SerDes Designer app from the Apps toolstrip. Use the app to quickly prototype and statistically analyze a SerDes system with a Tx and an Rx.

Add blocks from the Blocks gallery to the Tx and Rx sides. If you change the block parameters, the statistical eye display shows the performance changes. Click on Export SerDes System to Simulink from the Export dropdown menu to create a Simulink model for the system.

Prepare SerDes Simulink Model for Signal Integrity Toolbox

The Signal Integrity Toolbox requires IBIS models to simulate the Tx and Rx of your system. Use the Open SerDes IBIS-AMI Manager button in the Configuration block to produce the IBIS files. In the Export tab of the SerDes IBIS-AMI Manager dialog box choose a target directory and click the Export button to create the set of IBIS files.

Serial Link Project

Click the Open Signal Integrity Link button in the Configuration block. In the newly opened dialog box, select New serial link project from the dropdown menu of Link design project parameter.

Choose a project name and destination folder. The folder path and project name must not have spaces. A report window appears and the Serial Link Designer (Signal Integrity Toolbox) app opens to create serial link project from SerDes Toolbox model.

The following data are copied from Simulink to Serial Link Designer:

Once you create the serial link project, you can refresh the Signal Integrity Link to see your project from the Link design project parameter dropdown menu. You can make updates to existing project or import a new project from a simulation of an already simulated project.

Parallel Link Project

Click the Open Signal Integrity Link button in the Configuration block. In the newly opened dialog box, select New parallel link project from the dropdown menu of Link design project parameter.

Choose a project name and destination folder. The folder path and project name must not have spaces. A report window appears and the Parallel Link Designer (Signal Integrity Toolbox) app opens to create parallel link project from SerDes Toolbox model.

The following data are copied from Simulink to Parallel Link Designer:

Once you create the parallel link project, you can refresh the Signal Integrity Link to see your project from the Link design project parameter dropdown menu. You can make updates to existing project or import a new project from a simulation of an already simulated project.