Product category: Programmable Logic Devices
News Release from: Altera Europe | Subject: Stratix II GX
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 31 July 2007
Transceiver-based FPGAs deliver speed
Crossbeam uses several Altera devices, including Stratix II GX FPGAs, in each of its new switches
Crossbeam Systems is incorporating Altera devices in its next-generation X-Series security services switches to achieve a level of performance and functionality not possible with alternative solutions. Crossbeam's X-Series switches are the industry's only open and scalable security platforms with carrier-class availability running multiple security applications from leading vendors.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 31 July 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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These switches are being used by companies worldwide, including CheckFree, Scottrade and H and R Block.
Crossbeam, the leader in enterprise and carrier-class unified threat management (UTM) solutions for the world's largest networks, uses several Altera devices, including Stratix II GX FPGAs, in each of its new switches.
The devices provide high-speed links between subsystems, reducing latency and increasing availability.
The Stratix II GX FPGAs implement PCI Express x8 interfaces and a custom 4Gbit/s serial interface that enables high-speed communication between system modules.
The 4Gbit/s serial interfaces can also run in a 2Gbit/s mode to allow the next-generation modules to communicate with legacy modules.
Further reading
Low-cost FPGAs host industrial Ethernet standards
IP cores for ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus-IDA, EtherCAT, Sercos III Interface and Ethernet Powerlink can now be implemented on low-cost Cyclone series FPGAs
Budget FPGAs host industrial Ethernet
Altera Corp now offers intellectual property support for the EtherCAT protocol on its low-cost low-power Cyclone III FPGAs
FPGAs speed DDR3 memory adoption
Stratix III FPGAs support DDR3 with a maximum clock speed of 400MHz and maximum datarate of 800Mbit/s
Crossbeam chose Altera's industry-leading transceiver-based FPGAs to deliver speeds and functionality that are not possible with other vendors' solutions.
'Altera's technology and design support helped us confidently achieve the highest possible speed and flexibility for our intersystem data communications, which is critical for our X-Series switch', says Chet Gapinski, Vice President of Engineering of Crossbeam.
'They are the only FPGA supplier who met our performance requirements, and their reliable delivery of industry-leading transceiver technology enabled us to meet our aggressive development cycles'.
'As a result, we're delivering ground-breaking communications security systems for enterprise and carrier networks with superior functionality, performance and scalability, ahead of competitors'.
After a thorough evaluation of competing solutions, Crossbeam adopted the Stratix II GX devices to allow its designers to meet aggressive product rollout schedules and complete the development of their latest product in the shortest time.
Altera's PCI Express x8 solution, including MegaCore intellectual property (IP), worked flawlessly in Crossbeam's application, further shortening development time.
To accomplish reliable data transmission at the 40Gbit/s system throughput rate achieved by the X-Series, Crossbeam requires the highest degree of signal integrity, which is provided by Stratix II GX devices.
Crossbeam leverages FPGA reconfigurability to enable seamless interoperability with their legacy products.
On installation, boards configure themselves to recognise legacy versus new addon cards.
'In developing its X-Series switches, Crossbeam challenged the FPGA industry to deliver a solution that provided high performance and allowed a robust set of features in their products', says Arun Iyengar, Senior Director of Altera's Communications Business Unit.
'We worked closely with Crossbeam to ensure that the Altera solution didn't just meet their expectations, but exceeded them'.
In addition to Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices, Crossbeam also uses Altera's Cyclone II FPGAs, MAX II CPLDs, and MegaCore IP, including PCI Express, SPI-4.2, and high-performance memory interfaces.
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