In the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation is the key to staying ahead. Companies that push the boundaries are the ones that shape the future. GERMANTOWN, Md.-based Hitek Systems, in collaboration with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) and Altera, has taken a significant leap forward with the release of the Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® (Mixed Signal Front-End) Development Platform. Designed to seamlessly integrate with the ADI Apollo MxFE® AD9084 and AD9088 development kit, this platform is the first of its kind to employ Agilex™ 7 FPGA-based technology. In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable features, applications, and the collaborative effort behind this groundbreaking technology.
Bridging Innovation and Performance
The Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess. Hitek Systems, a leader in RF transceiver innovation, has perfectly timed the release of this wideband development platform to meet the growing demands of advanced communication and defense systems. Tariq Muhammad, President of Hitek Systems, emphasizes the platform’s capability to enable customers to seamlessly evaluate and develop Apollo MxFE® solutions using high-performance Altera Agilex™ 7 FPGAs. This statement not only highlights the platform’s technical capabilities but also underscores its importance in driving the next wave of technological advancements.
This development platform facilitates a wide range of applications, from radar and electronic warfare systems to broadband and satellite communication, and even electronic test and measurement systems. The platform’s ability to cater to such diverse applications is a testament to its flexibility and the robustness of the technology embedded within. This versatility ensures that it can be a critical asset for both commercial and military applications, thus broadening its scope of impact.
The Heart of Innovation: Altera’s Agilex™ 7 FPGAs
At the core of the Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform is Altera’s Agilex™ 7 FPGAs. These FPGAs deliver the security, bandwidth, and DSP flexibility critical for advanced military systems. Ben Esposito, Senior Principal Engineer for Altera’s Military, Aerospace, and Government Business Unit, notes how Hitek’s eSOM7 Development Platform leverages these high-performance FPGAs to accelerate customer evaluation and development. This collaboration between Hitek Systems and Altera is a significant milestone in the field of FPGA technology, showcasing the potential of Agilex™ 7 in driving innovation.
The platform's integration of Altera’s Agilex™ 7 F-tile FPGA with hard IP for networking up to 400G Ethernet and PCIe Gen 4 enhances its capability to handle high-speed data transmission. By incorporating soft IP like JESD204C, UDP/IP offload engine (UOE), and DIFI, it allows for highly optimized front-end processing and transport design. This enhancement not only increases the platform’s efficiency but also its reliability in demanding environments, making it suitable for industrial-grade applications.
Unlocking New Possibilities with ADI’s Apollo MxFE®
The collaboration with ADI marks another pivotal aspect of the Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform. ADI’s Apollo MxFE® technology is renowned for its ability to drive innovation in wideband wireless communication systems and high-performance defense applications. Robert Dandaraw, Principal Engineer, Product Marketing at ADI, expresses excitement about working with Hitek Systems on this development platform. This collaboration unlocks the full potential of the Apollo MxFE® when used in conjunction with Altera’s Agilex™ 7 FPGAs.
The platform's high-speed interface, featuring 48 lanes (24 Rx and 24 Tx) JESD204C interface supporting a maximum speed of 27.5 Gbps per lane, delivers an aggregate bandwidth of up to 1.32 Tbps. This capability ensures that users can achieve unparalleled performance in data transmission, making it an indispensable tool for applications that require high-speed data processing and transmission. The support for PTP/1588 timing and network synchronization further bolsters its appeal for industrial and military applications.
A Glimpse into the Future: Demonstrations and Availability
Hitek Systems has already showcased the capabilities of the eSOM7 development platform at Altera Innovators Day 2024. During this event, the platform demonstrated an aggregate bandwidth of 330 Gbps per link, with 12 lanes of JESD204C each operating at 27.5Gbps in both the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) directions. This demonstration not only highlighted the platform’s capabilities but also its readiness for real-world applications.
The eSOM7 development platform can be paired with either Hitek’s eSOM7-4F (F/I/M-series) or eSOM7-2F (F-series) SOMs. This flexibility allows customers to develop their own solutions or collaborate with Hitek Systems to create customized solutions integrated with the Apollo MxFE®. The availability of the Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform with the eSOM7-2F (2x F-tile) for order now, and the upcoming release of the version featuring the eSOM7-4F (4x F-tile) in Q1 2025, provides customers with the opportunity to leverage this technology in their projects without delay.
Embracing the Future of Technology
The Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform is more than just a technological advancement; it is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration and innovation. By bridging the gap between high-speed data processing and versatile application deployment, this platform sets a new standard in the field of FPGA-based development platforms. As industries continue to evolve, the need for such advanced technologies becomes even more pronounced. Hitek Systems, along with its collaborators, is not just keeping pace with innovation; they are defining it. As we look to the future, the Agilex™ eSOM7 Apollo MxFE® Development Platform stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary companies come together to push the boundaries of what is possible.
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