Introduction

Microchip’s SmartSFP+ is a system-level optical transceiver solution built with the smallest form factor and the lowest power PolarFire FPGA. The SmartSFP+ module combines the flexibility and advantage of data processing and complex data handling operations in a single FPGA device within the module. It saves processing overhead in communication protocols as the data is processed by upper layers running within the module. The SmartSFP+ module supports in-application programming (IAP) which retains its flexibility even after its deployment in end products.

The SmartSFP+ module supports the following key features:
  • Supports an LC-type connector.
  • Supports multi-mode optical fiber.
  • Supports data rates upto 10 Gbps.
  • Works with 850 nm and 1310 nm wavelengths.
  • Supports FTTH, CPRI, Fiber Channel, Ethernet (10GBASE-R) with SyncE capability.
The main components of the SmartSFP+ module are as follows:
  • PolarFire 200T FPGA with two SerDes lanes supporting data rates upto 12.7 Gbps.
  • Optical interface comprising of the ROSA and TOSA modules which can support data rates upto 10 Gbps.
  • MAX 3798 Laser Driver and Limiting Amplifier.
  • 32 MB SPI Flash.
  • Edge connector which is a part of the electrical interface.
The following figure shows the high-level block diagram of the PolarFire SmartSFP+ module.
Figure . Block Diagram of the SmartSFP+ Module
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This document highlights a prototype solution, in which, the SmartSFP+ module interfaces with the PolarFire Evaluation Kit to demonstrate the following capabilities:
  • Data loopback within the SmartSFP+ module through its optical interface.
  • Data loopback from the SmartSFP+ module to the PolarFire Evaluation Kit through the electrical interface.
  • IAP on the SmartSFP+ module initiated by the PolarFire Evaluation Kit.