Module TElBA0714-01 SPF+ port

[Karim Damji]

Hi,
I'm learning FPGA programming using a TE0714-03-35-2I module and a TEBA-0714 carrier, for several projects.  One project requires two-way communications between a PC and this FPGA module/base, and I've already developed serial communications between this FPGA Module/Base and a PC.  However, another project requires higher throughput than a serial connection can provide, and I'd like to explore an Ethernet link between this FPGA module/base and a PC.  To guide me further, my questions are:
1.  Is it feasible to land a commercially purchased ethernet SPF+ module to allow for Ethernet communications with this module/base, or will I need to design a custom SPF+ module? 
2.  Has Trenz ever used this FPGA Module/Base and this base's SPF+ connector terminated with an SPF+ module for an Ethernet port?  If so, what module (Manufacturer, Model P/N) was used?
3.  Can Trenz direct me to a reference design that I can consult as a guide to figure out what FPGA configuration is required to develop and Ethernet port on an FPGA module (even if it's not based on a TE0714 module)?

Regards,
Karim

[Antti Lukats]

TE0714 was really not designed for SFP ethernet usage case, the small FPGA (not SoC !) may make the ethernet usage really complicated. You need microblaze + RAM, and RAM is only BRAM available, so it may not be sufficient unless you use SPI XiP code space additionally.

standard SFP should be OK, but we have demo design for you. Most users of TE0714 use Aurora or some fully custom protocol on the transceiver ports.

[Karim Damji]

Hi Antti,
Thanks for your prompt reply.  I realize that the TE0714-35 is small FPGA, and that it is not a SoC and therefore does not have a hard ARM uP implemented in it.  I selected the TE0714 module and the TEGA0714 base because it gave me sufficient IO to interface to a piece of equipment (via digital IO) and to a PC (the FPGA was adequate for one Microblaze soft Processor IP and a UART IP).  I require the TE0714 to periodically 34 bits to a PC (which represent the status of a piece of equipment) and periodically receive 9 bits from to a PC (which represent commands to that piece of equipment), the UART-based integration is a bit too slow for our needs.  Hence the need to explore a faster communications (in my case UDP packets).  Using Ethernet would admittedly make the FPGA configuration more difficult on this small FPGA, but I think it would also simplify the PC configuration, so I'd like to attempt it.  To that end:
1.  Can you point me to a demo design I can use as a guide (and if you have  a specific SPF module, then please pass that info along too)?

Meanwhile, I did not realize one could use the SPI Flash, so I'll read up on how to utilize "SPI XiP code space".

Regards,
Karim

[Karim Damji]

Hi Anti,
Could you provide provide a link to the demo design you had for me?

Regards,
Karim

[Antti Lukats]

sorry no. We have no standalone ETH/SFP demo for TE0714.

it is being used exactly as you describe, fast serial link to the IOs, but i guess it has been always AURORA protocol on the SFP not ETH

[Karim Damji]

Can you provide a link to the Aurora/SPF demo anyway.  It might be a good starting point for me to develop an ETH/SPF configuration, and at a minimum, it'll demonstrate to me how to integrate the SPF module hardware to the TE0714.

Regards,
Karim

[JH]

Hi,
sorry we haven't any aurora demo for this module.
I would recommend to start with Xilinx IBERT (instanciate ibert and export example design). Use two TE0714 modules with the same configuration, that's the easierst way to start.
If IBERT works, start with aurora. default setup should be ok, select only correct MGT, MGT REFCLKs (same like on your IBERT), that's all.
br
John