Implementing Transceivers using a Protocol IP - UG1192

When a high-level protocol IP (PCIe, Ethernet MAC, Interlaken) is implemented from Vivado’s IP catalog, most protocol IPs include the requisite transceiver configurations appropriate for the protocol’s needs and the transceiver is automatically included inside the hierarchy of the protocol IP. In other cases, the transceiver creation and connectivity are demonstrated by opening an IP protocol example design. These complete solutions simplify the designer’s effort and minimize the possibilities of errors introduced from improper connectivity or configuration mismatches.

Using the Vivado IP catalog makes use of the integrated features built into the devices. For instance, substantial portions of the PCIe protocol layers are integrated into many devices, allowing minimal usage of programmable logic resources to implement robust data movement capabilities.

When mapping the protocol requirements of a design into a specific device, it is recommended to evaluate if the requirements are supported in the specific device and speed-grade. To do this, create a Vivado project with a specific device, package, and speed-grade and then use the IP catalog to create an example instance of the chosen IP and customizations. The available components in the IP catalog are dynamically listed based on what is supported by the given device.

A sampling of the transceiver-based IP in the catalog is shown in the following table with the respective documentation.