Intel® Arria® 10 Transceiver PHY User Guide

ID 683617
Date 9/15/2023
Public
Document Table of Contents
Give Feedback

2.5.1. Metaframe Format and Framing Layer Control Word

The Enhanced PCS supports programmable metaframe lengths from 5 to 8192 words. However, for stability and performance, Intel recommends you set the frame length to no less than 128 words. In simulation, use a smaller metaframe length to reduce simulation times. The payload of a metaframe could be pure data payload and a Burst/Idle control word from the MAC layer.

Figure 28. Framing Layer Metaframe Format

The framing control words include:

  • Synchronization (SYNC)—for frame delineation and lane alignment (deskew)
  • Scrambler State (SCRM)—to synchronize the scrambler
  • Skip (SKIP)—for clock compensation in a repeater
  • Diagnostic (DIAG)—provides per-lane error check and optional status message

To form a metaframe, the Enhanced PCS frame generator inserts the framing control words and encapsulates the control and data words read from the TX FIFO as the metaframe payload.

Figure 29. Interlaken Synchronization and Scrambler State Words Format
Figure 30. Interlaken Skip Word Format

The