In a first aspect, a first method of creating a programmable link delay during cycle simulation of a system is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) modeling a system for cycle simulation, wherein the system includes (a) a plurality of links; (b) link transmitting logic adapted to transmit data on the plurality of links; (c) link receiving logic adapted to receive data from the plurality of links; and (d) link training logic coupled to the link receiving logic and adapted to compensate for skew between links; and (2) employing delay logic, coupled to the plurality of links, in the modeled system to create a known skew between links during cycle simulation. Numerous other aspects are provided.