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1394 and AS5643 IP Core solutions - FireCore Extended

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FireCore Extended

The FireCore Extended IP package is targeted at applications with up to 3200Mbps data transmission and high data throughput requirements. It combines FireLink Extended and FireGate into one core. FireLink® Extended features OHCI-compliant DMA engines and supports non-PCI, PCI and PCIe host bus interfaces.

Target Applications

Several markets can make use of the FireCore Extended core including Aerospace & Defense, Industrial and Consumer Electronics. As a special option, the FireLink® LLC offers firmware Support for the AS5643 (Mil1394) protocol. While current implementations require significant host software support, FireLink® can support this layer with significantly better timing as well as reduced host resource utilization.

Examples of typical applications in aerospace & defense for the FireCore include command & control systems for space-based vehicles, missile guidance platforms, fighter aircraft flight control, as well as its implementation in avionics & IFE platforms for business and commercial aircraft.

The industrial applications of FireLink® are quite broad and include robotics, machine vision, wide format digital printing and medical imaging. Specifically the Extended version targets all implementations that try to benefit from PCI-based OHCI implementations.

Key features

  • IEEE-1394-2008 Beta
  • Supports S100-S3200 transfer rates
  • Complete IP solution combining FireLink® Extended or Extended with AS5643 (Mil1394) option and FireGate
  • Scalable number of PHY ports from 1 to 16
  • Support for OHCI and Extended OHCI host connectivity
  • Integrated support for AS5643 (Mil1394) enhancements
  • Replacement for existing Silicon
  • Ideal for VMCs, CCs and Recorders

Platform Availability

DapTechnology supports its IP cores on a wide variety of FPGA families. At the moment of writing the following platforms are supported but please don't hesitate to contact us for the very latest information:

  • Xilinx (Spartan, Artix, Kintex, Virtex, Zynq, ...)
  • Altera (Cyclone)
  • MicroSemi (IGLOO2, Smartfusion2)

 

Please contact DapTechnology directly to verify availability of specific functionality on your target platform!

Design features and benefits

There are several advantages when using FPGAs to implement a complete 1394 I/O interface. Some of these are:

  • Single-chip solution: Combination of PHY and Link Layer IPs thus creating smaller solutions. Additional components (CPUs, encoders, etc) can be added to create a System On Chip (SOC) solution.
  • Flexible number of ports: Commercially available PHY chips have a fixed number of ports which for small peripherals is often overkill. On the other hand, host adapters would likely benefit from 3 or more ports and a hub could even have more than that. For a PHY based on FPGA technology, the user can customize the number of ports as required.
  • Optional debug and test features: Optionally, the user can include debug and test features like BERT (Bit Error Rate Test), Low-level data monitoring and Recording.
  • Field-upgradable: The used FPGAs are field upgradable thus allowing the addition of new features or bug fixes, even if the device is already in the field.
  • Cost-effective ASICS: Once a design is finalized an IP solution offers a very cost-effective path to spinning a custom ASIC. 

Configurability

FireCore is designed highly configurable. We can preadjust key functions and components (speed, ports, target platforms, ...) as compilation parameters and so optimize the resources needed to meet customers needs. Such configuration parameter will be defined in close consultation with you so order to custom tailor the solution. Please note that due to differences within the various FPGA platforms certain functions might not be supportable on all target FPGAs. Please consult with our sales staff on availability.

Reference system

  • A complete Xilinx S3200 reference system is available, including a 4-lane PCI-express host adapter, an S3200 1394 analyzer and a peripheral development board which can be used by the customer to develop their products.
  • DapTechnology is currently working on a reference system for low speed (S100/S200/S400) Xilinx as well as Microsemi platforms.