Method and architecture for serial link characterization by arbitrary size pattern generator

Transmission-side circuitry for use in a serial communications system, the transmission-side circuitry comprising:

• a pattern generator configured to generate a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) according to a kth order monic polynomial, the PRBS being generated as a series of words of a given bit size;
• a serializer having a number of inputs equal in number to the given bit size, coupled to serially receive the series of words of the PRBS from the pattern generator, and producing a PRBS output;
• and
• a line driver configured to transmit the PRBS output in a serial fashion over a physical link;
• wherein the pattern generator comprises:
• a PRBS predictor configured to generate x intermediate words of the PRBS based upon a received k-bit seed and output the intermediate words in a parallel fashion, with x being a result of an integer divide between a total number of bits in the PRBS and the given bit size;
• a multiplexer having:
• a first input set coupled to the PRBS predictor to receive the intermediate words in a parallel fashion, and a second input set coupled to receive either a leading word or a trailing word in a parallel fashion;
• wherein the leading word has first y bits of the PRBS as its least significant bits, with y being based upon a modulo divide between the total number of bits in the PRBS and x;
• wherein the trailing word of the PRBS has last z bits of the PRBS as its most significant bits, with z being based upon a difference between a result of the modulo divide and y;
• and
• a control circuit configured to receive the intermediate words of the PRBS and based thereupon, control the multiplexer to sequentially output the leading word of the PRBS, output the intermediate words of the PRBS, and output the trailing word of the PRBS.