Getting Started
Minimum setup
To develop with the Quad SFP28 FMC, we recommend you start by getting your hands on the minimum hardware and software requirements:
- An FPGA or MPSoC development board - make sure that it is on our list of compatible boards.
- A Quad SFP28 FMC to match the dev board.
- A license for the Ethernet MAC IP that you intend to use, see below section on getting a license.
- Build and run one of our example designs.
Getting a license
Our reference designs are built using AMD Xilinx IP. The IP that implements the Ethernet MAC requires a license to use, however, evaluation licenses can be obtained from AMD Xilinx free of charge.
Which license do I need?
The table below lists the AMD Xilinx IP used in our reference designs and the link speeds that those designs can be used for.
| Link speeds | Reference design | IP used in design |
|---|---|---|
| 10/100/1000bps | Coming soon | AMD Xilinx AXI 1G/2.5G Ethernet Subsystem IP |
| 10G/25Gbps | 10G/25G Ethernet Subsystem Example Design | AMD Xilinx 10G/25G Ethernet Subsystem IP |
Can I use Quad SFP28 FMC without one of these licenses?
- If you want to use our reference designs, unfortunately you must at least have an evaluation license to build the designs and one to use the AMD Xilinx IP.
- If you are developing a custom design or are using an open-source IP to implement the Ethernet MAC, you can indeed use the Quad SFP28 FMC without the AMD Xilinx IP licenses. However, please note that the support that we can provide for custom designs is limited.
License types
Evaluation license
An evaluation license allows you to do everything you can do with the fully licensed IP core, including configuration, simulation and bitstream generation. You can also test the IP core on hardware, however it will cease to function after a certain period of time (typically 8 hours).
To obtain an evaluation license, visit:
- AMD Xilinx AXI 1G/2.5G Ethernet Subsystem IP OR
- AMD Xilinx 10G/25G Ethernet Subsystem IP
Then click “Evaluate IP”. You will have to complete the “Product Licensing” form and click “Submit”. Once you are on the licensing page, make sure that the IP license is ticked and then click “Generate license”. Xilinx will then send you the license by email with instructions for how to install it.
Full license
The full license can be purchased as a “site” or “project” license. The project license limits use of the IP core to one project, generally meaning one bitstream, or one printed circuit board. The site license can be used on an unlimited number of projects however is limited to a single company site.