Ethernet 400G PCS IP – SmartDV

Ethernet 400G PCS IP

Design IP

Overview

SmartDV’s Ethernet 400G PCS (Physical Coding Sublayer) IP Core is engineered for ultra-fast, high-reliability data transmission in modern networking and hyperscale computing systems. Aligned with IEEE 802.3bs and 802.3ck specifications, it performs critical PCS functions including 64b/66b encoding/decoding, lane distribution and alignment, forward error correction (FEC), and deskew for 400 Gigabit Ethernet links.

Supporting multiple FEC modes such as RS-FEC (Reed-Solomon), the PCS core ensures robust error correction over high-speed serial lanes, making it suitable for PAM4-based interconnects and long-reach applications. It interfaces easily with 400G MAC and PMA/PHY layers via CDMII or similar high-speed interfaces.

Designed for flexibility, the IP core is highly configurable to meet specific design requirements, supporting both ASIC and FPGA implementations while optimizing for area, power, and performance. Its scalable and modular design makes it ideal for use in carrier-grade switches, routers, and data center backbone networks.

Ethernet 400G PCS

Benefits

Standards-Compliant 400G PCS Layer – Implements the Physical Coding Sublayer as defined in IEEE 802.3-2022, ensuring reliable multi-lane transmission for 400 Gbps Ethernet links
64b/66b and 256b/257b Line Encoding – Supports both encoding modes defined for 400G Ethernet, providing synchronization, block alignment, and error detection
Multi-Lane Distribution and Deskew – Implements lane alignment and deskew logic for 400GAUI-8 and 400GAUI-16 configurations, enabling robust lane management
Optional RS-FEC Integration – Designed to interoperate with RS-FEC cores (e.g., IEEE 802.3bj/802.3ck) for enhanced link quality and signal integrity
Low-Latency and Power-Optimized Design – Delivers sustained 400 Gbps throughput with deterministic latency and energy-efficient implementation
Flexible PHY Connectivity – Supports 400GAUI-8, 400GAUI-16, and CAUI-16 interface mappings for interoperability across high-speed PHYs
Seamless MAC Integration – Optimized for direct connectivity with SmartDV 400G MAC IP, offering a complete MAC-to-PHY solution for ASIC and FPGA environments

Compliance and Compatibility

Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3-2022, incorporating PCS definitions from 802.3bs, 802.3cd, and 802.3ck amendments
Supports 256b/257b and 64b/66b line encoding, lane alignment, and block synchronization per standard
Compatible with 400GAUI-8, 400GAUI-16, and CAUI-16 interfaces
Compatible with all major EDA synthesis, simulation, and linting flows

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