Arria GX Transceiver FPGAs supporting Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express and Serial RapidIO - Altera

Altera introduced the Arria GX family, optimized to support Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), PCI Express (PCIe) and Serial RapidIO (SRIO) standards up to 2.5 Gbps. Arria GX FPGAs feature the Stratix II GX transceiver technology, flip-chip packages for superior signal integrity, software tools and verified intellectual property (IP) cores. To immediately start designing with Arria GX devices, developer can utilize Quartus II design software version 7.1.

Jordon Plofsky, Altera, said:

What differentiates Arria GX devices from other offerings in the market is not one particular element but a combination of powerful attributes…

Customers are getting a very reliable transceiver technology built on a proven process. Next, the price is unparalleled for such a comprehensive product. Finally, we designed it to maintain the best levels of signal integrity and each member of this family is available in flip-chip packages…

The Arria GX family is comprised of five devices ranging in density from 21,580 to 90,220 logic elements (LEs), up to 4.5 Mbits of embedded memory and up to 176 multipliers, and is built on TSMC's established 90-nm process. The family addresses the rapidly growing need for low-cost FPGAs with transceivers in the communications, computer, storage and industrial markets.

Arria GX FPGAs provide up to 12 full-duplex transceiver channels optimized to implement the PCIe, GbE and SRIO protocols. These transceivers are based on the same technology that has demonstrated its success in the high-end Stratix II GX family. The devices utilize flip-chip packaging technology, which provides a significant signal integrity advantage over wire-bond packages when combining transceivers with advanced memory interfaces.

Arria GX FPGAs offer a unique design environment that includes software tools, complete characterization reports, reference designs, and verified IP cores that meet compliance and interoperability. Also available is a protocol-specific development kit with support for PCIe x1 and x4, SRIO and GbE. Designers can begin their Arria GX designs today by downloading and installing the easy-to-use Quartus II development software version 7.1. The Quartus II software also integrates seamlessly with leading third-party synthesis and simulation tools. Customers can download the Subscription Edition and Web Edition of the Quartus II software.

The Arria GX Development Kit is available for online ordering through the Altera website with price: US$995. The Development Kit with support three targeted protocols: PCI Express (x1 and x4), Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO protocol (up to 2.5 Gbps). The Arria GX FPGA Development Kit features:

• Arria GX development board
  • Arria GX EP1AGX60DF780C6N FPGA
    • 60,100 equivalent logic elements (LEs)
    • 8 transceiver channels
    • 350 user I/O pins
  • PCI Express x4 edge connector
  • 32-MByte x 16 DDR2 SDRAM operating at 233 MHz
  • One high-speed mezzanine connector (HSMC) for Gigabit Ethernet and SRIO connectivity
  • Switches and indicators
    • Four user-definable, push-button switches
    • Eight-position, user-definable, dual in-line package (DIP) switch
    • Eight user-definable LEDs
    • One nCONFIG push button
    • One power-on reset push button
  • Configuration circuitry
    • MAX^® II/flash configuration circuit
    • JTAG download port
• Quartus II web edition design software
• PCI Express Development Kit, Arria GX Edition CD ROM
  • PCI Express reference design
  • Complete documentation
    • Development Kit, Arria GX Edition Getting Started User Guide
    • Board schematic and layout information
    • Board reference manual
• Support for OpenCore Plus IP mega-functions:
  • Triple-Speed Ethernet
  • PCI-Express Compiler: x1 and x4
  • Serial RapidIO
• Cable and accessories
  • USB-Blaster download cable
  • Power cord
  • External AC adapter power supply

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Volume production of all Arria GX devices will begins in September 2007. The EP1AGX50CF484C6 device sells for US$50 (in 25K unit volume).

Further reading: Altera Arria GX Transceiver FPGAs