Free LogiCORE™ IP design enabling the use of multi-gigabit transceivers for Xilinx FPGA
Aurora is a LogiCORE™ IP designed to enable easy implementation of Xilinx transceivers while providing a light-weight user interface on top of which designers can build a serial link. Aurora 64B/66B is a scalable, lightweight, link-layer protocol for high-speed serial communication. The protocol specification is open and available upon request. The IP is free to use from the IP Catalog on Xilinx silicon devices.
Aurora is typically used in applications requiring low-cost, high data-rate, scalable and flexible means to build a serial data channel. Its simple framing structure can easily be used to encapsulate data from existing protocols, and its electrical requirements are compatible with commodity equipment. Aurora can be used to provide increased performance without high FPGA resource costs, software redevelopment, or exotic physical infrastructure.
Aurora 64B/66B
Overview
Key Features
- Chip-to-chip links. Significantly reduce the trace count on PCBs with minimal FPGA resource costs. Examples: Line cards, multi-device partitioning, high-speed ASIC-FPGA connections
- Board-to-board and backplane links. Increase system throughput using existing cables, connectors, and backplanes. Examples: Short-reach optics, ATCA Backplanes.
- Streaming data applications. Infinite frames with arbitrary Idle insertion make it easy to stream data through Aurora channels. Examples: Data cell transfer with low overhead, Video streams.
- One-way connections. Aurora simplex channels enable low cost, high-speed serial links in a single direction. Examples: Video data offload, long-haul data transfer.