To meet user demand for data converters with wider bandwidths and improved dynamic range, Pentek, Inc. has readied a high-speed converter that combines four 200 MHz, 16-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with a pair of high-performance Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGAs. In addition, it doubles the amount of synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) to a total of 1.5 Gbytes. Consequently, the new model 7150 connects directly to the RF or IF inputs of a communications system, delivering the highest--resolution ADCs and enhanced processing power in a single PMC/XMC module. The 7150 is the first in the 715x series with sampling rates to 200 MHz and 16 bits of resolution and a dynamic range of 98 dB, according to Pentek. Its unique architecture combines the faster and higher-precision DSP slices in the two Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGAs with four 200 MHz, 16-bit ADCs, offering increased resolution and wider signal bandwidths. This combination is ideal for anyone seeking to detect very small signals across a wide range of frequencies, stated Pentek's vice president Rodger Hosking.

“The boost in sampling rate to 200 MHz means that users will be able to directly digitize nearly 100 MHz of bandwidth — invaluable for engineers working on wideband radar and wideband communication systems,” asserted Hosking. “The innovative design of the 7150 assigns strategic functions to Virtex-5 FPGAs for optimum performance. One is dedicated to interface connectivity and the other toward real-time signal processing, and both FPGAs are available in different sizes and types. As a result, the 7150 makes an ideal platform for adding custom IP cores to provide outstanding overall system performance over a wide range of applications, added Hosking.”

The dual FPGA architecture of the 7150 simplifies task assignments and boosts efficiency for each device. The processing FPGA handles data flow and data routing, controls all clock and synchronization functions, and manages memory resources. It is at the center of all data flow paths making it ideally positioned for performing DSP and data processing. The interface FPGA is responsible for providing the board's system connectivity through a PCI-X or optional PCIe interface. By assigning the board interfaces and the associated resources to this second FPGA, the processing FPGA is kept free to perform the processing tasks it is designed for, Hosking explained.

Because Xilinx maintains a consistent pin configuration among its Virtex-5 family devices, different sizes and family types of the Virtex-5 family can be substituted on the model 7150 to fulfill specific user needs. For instance, Virtex-5 LXT devices may be the choice for users with demanding logic requirements, while SXT devices satisfy DSP-intensive applications. Although the future FXT family will deliver embedded PowerPC processors for microcontroller functions, thus, giving users the scalability needed based on the application.

Another key feature is the front-panel synchronization bus. Multiple boards can be synchronized via a multipin ribbon cable to create larger multichannel systems. Synchronization signals include reset, gates, PPS, sync and clocks. In addition to the sync bus, the sampling clock can be sourced from an onboard crystal oscillator or through a front-panel external clock input connector.

Connected to the main processing FPGA are three banks of DDR2 SDRAM. As a result, the 7150 doubles the amount of SDRAM to 1.5 Gbytes, supporting real-time capture of 2.56 seconds of data sampled at 200 MHz. The SDRAM acts as a large elastic buffer, capturing data in real time and delivering it at a slower aggregate rate through the module interfaces. Built-in triggering modes allow capture of a wide range of block sizes, while DMA controllers simplify data transfers to the PCI-X bus.

The 7150 is designed to the PMC/XMC standard allowing it to mount on VME/VXS host boards. In addition, the board is available in other form factors including PCI and PCIe for use in desktop computers and blade servers, and 3U and 6U compact PCI. Initially, the 7150 will be delivered with a PCI-X interface, with a PCIe option available later this year.

The 7150 is supported under Linux, Windows and VxWorks with board support packages for each OS. The BSPs include an OS driver as well as a full-feature ReadyFlow C language library to support all board functions and provide sample applications for quick development startup.

Pentek provides a GateFlow FPGA design kit for both FPGAs. Each GateFlow kit provides the factory-installed functions as a project that can be imported into the Xilinx ISE tools, allowing users to build their own functions and data processing into the IP.

Pricing of the PMC version of the 7150 starts at $13,500. While the 135 MHz version is currently shipping, the 200 MHz version will be available 14-16 weeks ARO, according to Pentek.
Pentek, Inc.
(201) 818-5900
www.pentek.com