FibreXtreme SL100/SL240 Serial FPDP

Dedicated Point-to-Point or Broadcast Data Link for High-Throughput DSP Applications
Up to 2.5 Gbit/sec Baud Rate
Up to 247 MB/sec Sustained Data Rate
Extends Front Panel Data Port (FPDP) Connections up to 10 Kilometres

Overview

The FibreXtreme Serial FPDP (SFPDP) data link system connects distributed devices through a highly specialized communications protocol (VITA 17.1-2003) optimized for maximum data throughput. Data transfers occur without the CPU overhead and non-deterministic latencies associated with many layers of complex protocols.

The Front Panel Data Port (FPDP) was specifically invented to address the high speed connection between the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) of a Sensor Subsystem and the Digital Signal Processors (DSP) of advanced DSP-based image processing systems. Although FPDP provides the simplicity, bandwidth, and reliability required by these systems, it is hampered by a maximum connection distance of only one meter. FibreXtreme brings new design flexibility to these DSP systems by extending the FPDP connection to 10 kilometres while retaining its simplicity, bandwidth and reliability.

FibreXtreme is a dedicated, Point-to-Point or Broadcast Data Link consisting of a transmitting card (source) and one or more receiving cards (destination). Cards are bi-directional, capable of performing both functions simultaneously.

Our SL240 Series operates at 2.5 Gbit/sec, resulting in sustained throughputs up to 247 MB/sec! The SL100 Series, operating at a 1.062 Gbit/sec Baud Rate, offers sustained data throughput of 105 MB/sec.

FibreXtreme provides a dedicated data link from a single transmitting card to one or more receiving cards. During operation, data is inserted into a continuous frame being sent from the source card to the destination card(s). The frames are loaded up with up to 2 KB of sequential data as available from the FIFO. This results in a maximum insertion delay (latency) of 301 nsec. Five ordered sets between frames carry FPDP SYNC, PIO, DIR signals and flow control for the data on the return link. Flow control on a destination card monitors its FIFO and communicates control information on the return line to the source card to prevent overrun.

In applications where simultaneous, parallel processing is desired, a single source card can transmit data to multiple destination cards through the Curtiss Wright Physical Layer Switches. The Curtiss Wright GLX4000 unit is a 144-port or 288-port physical layer switch that can copy any input signal to any number of outputs.

Other FibreXtreme features include:

Various levels of error detection and status reporting
32 KB source and destination FIFOs to absorb bursts
PCI, PMC and CPCI source and destination cards with dual DMA controllers and PIO for data transfer over PCI

In today's demanding high-throughput applications, the smallest delays in data transfers can mean the difference between success and failure. FibreXtreme is designed specifically to help ensure that these critical applications succeed!

Applications

Multiple Serial FPDP cards can be used to connect a sensor subsystem. Multiple sensor inputs, each connected to a source card, transmit data to multiple destination cards and are routed to a parallel processor. In this case, a very simple serial data link, based on a highly specialized communications protocol optimized for maximum data throughput to "manage" the data, is all that is necessary to transfer data from the sensors to the DSP, eliminating the need for a CPU and all the supporting hardware that goes with it.

FibreXtreme can also be used to connect multiple sensor inputs directly to a workstation. This configuration allows large amounts of data to be captured by the workstation and offloaded to a high-speed, Fibre Channel-based storage subsystem for subsequent playback and analysis.

Ruggedized products for rugged environments

The opportunities for high-bandwidth, low-latency data communication are not limited to commercial computing applications. Many mission-critical, operational systems, ranging from clean room settings to extremely harsh environments, can also benefit from the advantages of FibreXtreme's unique technology. However, these systems may be exposed to a wide variety of conditions ranging from clean room settings to extremely harsh environments that subject system components to additional shock, vibration and humidity and extended temperature ranges.

To meet a variety of these operational requirements, FibreXtreme Serial FPDP data link products are available in specially modified configurations designed to meet specific operational needs. Be sure to ask us about the availability of boards for your particular application.

FibreXtreme accessories

Physical Layer Switches

The GLX4000 family of 144-port and 288-port crossbar switches supports FibreXtreme SFPDP signals at baud rates up to 2.5 Gbps. The switch's built-in copy mode enables a system designer to take single high-bandwidth data inputs and replicate them to multiple digital signal processors or analysis computers without signal degradation or additional data latency.

The switch enables simultaneous data transfer to a real-time parallel processor and to a high-speed storage subsystem. Once the data is stored, the GLX4000 switch can reconfigure the system to allow the storage subsystem to playback the data stream into the DSP systems for post-run processing and refinement of the processing algorithms.

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GCH Test & Computer Services Ltd

Progress Business Centre, 5 Whittle Parkway, Slough, Berks SL1 6DQ, UK

Tel: +44 1628 55 99 80 , Fax: +44 1628 55 99 90