MPLEG: A Multi-mode Physical Layer Error Generator for Link Layer Fault Tolerance Test

In the design of high-speed communication network chips, the fault-tolerant design of the link layer is among the most important parts. In the design process, the link layer fault tolerance function need to be fully tested and verified. But it is far from enough to rely only on traditional case-by-case simulation. In order to test and verify this function completely, this paper proposes a configurable multi-mode physical layer error generation method implemented on chip: MPLEG (a Multi-mode Physical Layer Error Generator). With MPLEG, a desired bit error pattern can be generated at the physical layer in all stages of chip design, including simulation verification, FPGA prototype system verification, sample chip testing, and actual system running. The statistical analysis of the experimental results shows that MPLEG can generate an error pattern almost identical to the real link error. Meanwhile, MPLEG can perform relatively complete and efficient testing and verification of various functions of link layer fault tolerance.