DSP-optimized FPGA platform

Xilinx announced that all of its digital signal processing (DSP)-optimized Virtex-5 SXT devices are available in production. These devices are part of the XtremeDSP portfolio of solutions that includes development kits, design software, IP, and reference designs. The Virtex-5 SXT platform of devices is optimized for high performance and can deliver over 350 GMACs of fixed-point performance for many applications including wireless, test and measurement, and defense and up to 82.5 GFLOPS of floating-point DSP performance for applications such as medical imaging. All three devices in the 65-nm Virtex-5 SXT family are production-qualified and supported by the XtremeDSP portfolio of development tools and IP including, System Generator for DSP, Core Generator, Platform Studio, and ISE Foundation. The

 Virtex-5 SXT platform consists of three devices, SX35T, SX50T and SX95T, that offer a range in logic density from 35,000 to 95,000 logic cells and 192 to 640 dedicated DSP48E slices. Developers can get started on designs today by purchasing the Virtex-5 SXT FPGA ML506 Evaluation Platform. Each Virtex-5 SXT device offers integrated system-level capabilities. These features include low-power RocketIO GTP serial transceivers, and built-in PCI Express Endpoint and tri-mode Ethernet MAC blocks. No other FPGA vendor provides a DSP-optimized FPGA fabric that also includes dedicated PCI Express and tri-mode Ethernet blocks. The enhanced DSP48E block consumes only 1.4mW/100MHz typical at 38 percent toggle rate, and the RocketIO GTP transceivers consume as little as 100mW typical at 3.2 Gbps, all of which combine to lower the overall system power and cost.

 Pricing and Availability

Production-qualified Virtex-5 SXT devices are available today in FF665 27 x 27mm and FF1136 35 x 35mm packages. The SX50T lists for US $299 in 1,000 unit volumes. For even further cost reductions, the Virtex-5 EasyPath program offers up to 75 percent cost reduction. The ML506 board featuring the Virtex-5 SX95T device is available now and sells for $1,195.00.