Pentek has ntroduced the newest member of the Jade family of high-performance data converter XMC modules based on the Xilinx Kintex Ultrascale FPGA. The Model 71141 is a 6.4 GHz dual channel analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter with programmable DDCs (digital downconverters) and DUCs (digital upconverters). The Model 71141 is suitable for connection to IF or RF signals for very wideband communications or radar system applications including:
- Satellite communications (SATCOM)
- Phased array radar, SIGINT and ELINT
- Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
- Time-of-flight and LIDAR distance measurement
- RF sampling software defined radio (SDR)
For applications that require unique functions, users can install custom IP for specialized data processing tasks. Pentek’s Navigator FPGA Design Kit includes source code for all factory-installed IP modules. Developers can integrate their own IP with the Pentek functions or use the Navigator kit to completely replace the Pentek IP with their own.
The Pentek Navigator tools reduce the development time and cost associated with complex designs. Users can also select the size of the FPGA they would like installed so they are getting exactly what they need performance-wise without paying for a larger FPGA they may not need. Unlike others in the industry, Pentek still provides application support to customers at no cost.
The Model 71141 is the first of the Pentek Jade products to use the Texas Instruments ADC12DJ3200 12-bit A/D. The front end accepts analog RF inputs on a pair of front panel SSMC connectors. The converter operates in single-channel interleaved mode with a sampling rate of 6.4 GS/sec and an input bandwidth of 7.9 GHz; or, in dual-channel mode with a sampling rate of 3.2 GS/sec and input bandwidth of 8.1 GHz.
The A/D built-in digital down converters support 2x decimation in real output mode and 4x, 8x or 16x decimation in complex output mode. The A/D digital outputs are delivered into the FPGA for signal processing, data capture or for routing to other module resources.
A Texas Instruments DAC38RF82 D/A with DUC accepts a baseband real or complex data stream from the FPGA and provides that input to the upconversion, interpolation and dual D/A stages. When operating as a DUC, it interpolates and translates real or complex baseband input signals. It delivers real or quadrature (I+Q) analog outputs to the dual 14-bit D/A converter. The two 6.4 GS/sec 14-bit D/As pair well with the dual input channels while delivering more than twice the output performance of previous generations of Pentek products.
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The 71141 factory-installed functions include two A/D acquisition and two D/A waveform generation IP modules. In addition, IP modules for DDR4 SDRAM memories, a controller for all data clocking and synchronization functions, a test signal generator and a PCIe Gen.3 interface complete the factory-installed functions. System integrators get to market with less time and risk, because the 71141 delivers a complete turnkey solution without the need to develop any FPGA IP.
The Pentek Jade Architecture is based on the Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA, which raises the digital signal processing (DSP) performance by over 50% with equally impressive reductions in cost, power dissipation and weight. As the central feature of the Jade Architecture, the FPGA has access to all data and control paths, enabling factory-installed functions including data multiplexing, channel selection, data packing, gating, triggering and memory control. A 5 GB bank of DDR4 SDRAM is available to the FPGA for custom applications. The x8 PCIe Gen 3 link can sustain 6.4 GB/s data transfers to system memory. Eight additional gigabit serial lanes and LVDS general-purpose I/O lines are available for custom solutions.
The Model 71141 XMC module is designed to operate with a wide range of carrier boards in PCIe, 3U and 6U VPX, AMC, and 3U and 6U CompactPCI form factors, with versions for both commercial and rugged environments. Designed for air-cooled, conduction-cooled and rugged operating environments, the Model 71141 XMC module with 5 GB of DDR4 SDRAM starts at $18,795. Additional FPGA options are available. The Navigator Design Suite consists of two packages. The Navigator BSP is $2,500 and the Navigator FDK is $3,500.
Pentek | www.pentek.com
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