Abstract: Various serial interface implementations and related methods are provided for establishing serial data links with programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a PLD includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks adapted to be programmed to configure the PLD for its intended function. The PLD also includes a serial interface comprising a transmit port, a microcontroller, a transmit register, and transmit logic. The microcontroller is adapted to adjust pre-emphasis settings associated with the transmit port to tune a serial data link between the PLD and an external device. The transmit register is adapted to receive a data signal from the programmable logic blocks. The data signal comprises transmit data to be provided over the serial data link through the transmit port. The transmit logic is adapted to prepare a serial signal for transmission from the transmit port over the serial data link. The serial signal comprises the transmit data.