Evaluation Reference Design
MLE provides its IP-Cores usually as an Evaluation Reference Design (ERD) which not only allows to see how the implementation is done but also functions as a test platform to evaluate the performance and functions of the IP.
NPAP Evaluation Reference Design
MLE NPAP (Network Protocol Accelerator Plaform) is a highly configurable IP Core. MLE uses multiple designs with different configurations on multiple boards to cover all the functions NPAP offers. A single ERD can include multiple NPAP instances, each connected to a different SFP port. This approach is used to demonstrate different PHY attachment methods or to showcase higher throughput by running multiple instances in parallel.