iWave Global introduces a high-performance networking solution that combines its Versal™ Prime VM1102 System on Module (SoM) with a Quad QSFP28 FMC+ module to enable 100G Ethernet connectivity. By leveraging hardened MRMAC IP cores and high-speed GTYP transceivers within the AMD Versal Adaptive SoC architecture, this platform delivers low-latency, high-throughput networking for next-generation edge computing and data center applications.
This solution demonstrates how the iWave Versal Prime system on module integrates high-speed transceivers, programmable logic, and dedicated networking IP to efficiently implement high-bandwidth communication interfaces. The addition of a Quad QSFP28 FMC+ module enables multiple high-speed Ethernet ports via the FMC+ (VITA 57.4 HSPC) interface, supporting scalable networking designs and rapid prototyping.
System Overview
The iWave Versal Prime VM1102 SoM is a high-performance computing platform built on the Versal Prime series. It integrates essential hardware resources required for high-speed networking and data processing within a compact form factor.
The module includes LPDDR4 memory, onboard storage such as eMMC and QSPI Flash, and a robust programmable logic fabric. With integrated hardened Ethernet IP and high-speed transceivers, the SoM significantly reduces dependency on soft IP implementations. This results in smaller designs, faster place-and-route cycles, and improved overall development efficiency.
Versal Prime Platform Capabilities
The Versal Prime platform combines processing, acceleration, and adaptability within a single device. It integrates application processing units, real-time control processors, and high-speed serial connectivity, enabling developers to implement complex, data-intensive workloads efficiently.
With support for dual-core Arm Cortex-A72 processors and Cortex-R5F real-time cores, along with GTYP transceivers supporting data rates up to 25.77 Gbps, the platform is well suited for building low-latency, high-throughput systems. The platform is supported by a comprehensive development ecosystem, including AMD Vivado Design Suite and AMD Vitis Unified Software Platform, along with Linux BSPs. This enables developers to customize and deploy adaptive computing solutions across domains such as data centers, wired communications, aerospace, and test & measurement.
Versal Prime Development Kit
Quad QSFP28 FMC+ Module Overview
The Quad QSFP28/QSFP+ FMC+ module is designed for rapid validation and deployment of high-speed Ethernet connectivity. Based on the VITA 57.4 HSPC standard, the module enables support for up to four QSFP ports, each capable of 100G operation. It integrates high-speed connectors, clocking components, and supporting peripherals required for stable high-speed communication. The module supports aggregate bandwidths up to 400G, making it suitable for next-generation networking and data transfer applications.
Quad QSFP28/QSFP+ FMC+ Module
System Architecture
The system architecture consists of the Versal Prime VM1102 platform interfaced with the Quad QSFP28 FMC+ module through a high-speed FMC+ connector.
Integration of Versal Prime devkit with quad QSFP28/QSFP+ FMC+ module
Data transmission and reception occur through QSFP interfaces, enabling high-bandwidth communication between connected systems. For validation and testing, loopback modules can be used, and connectivity can be verified using IBERT tools within the Vivado environment. This architecture enables flexible scaling of networking bandwidth and simplifies integration into high-performance embedded systems.
Interfaces and Tools Used
- iWave Versal Prime VM1102 Development Kit
- iWave Quad QSFP28/QSFP+ FMC+ module
- Minicom/Tera Term for platform access
- QSFP28/QSFP+ board to board cable and QSFP28/QSFP+ Loopback module for data transmit and for checking IBERT test through Vivado tool for visualizing connection.
Block Diagram
Block diagram for MRMAC subsystem workflow
Key Features of the Solution
The combined iWave Versal Prime platform and Quad QSFP FMC+ module deliver a scalable and high-performance networking solution. The platform supports 1×100G Ethernet operation through the ‘103’ bank of the Quad QSFP FMC board, with flexibility to scale across multiple ports. Integrated GTYP transceivers enable high-speed serial communication, supporting configurations of up to four transceiver lanes for Ethernet connectivity.
The solution supports multiple Ethernet data rates including 10G, 25G, 40G, and 100G, making it highly adaptable to evolving networking requirements. Additionally, system-level performance can be monitored through metrics such as packet counts and error rates, enabling effective validation and optimization. This flexibility and scalability make the platform particularly relevant for next-generation data center, edge computing, and high-speed communication systems.
Test Setup
Ethernet test connection
The validation setup involves interfacing the Quad QSFP28/QSFP+ FMC+ module with the Versal Prime platform through the FMC+ connector. A QSFP28/QSFP+ board-to-board cable is used to connect the first QSFP port to a corresponding support board or loopback module.
Once the hardware setup is complete, the platform is powered on and network configuration is initialized by assigning IP addresses to the connected systems. A board-to-board ping test is then performed to verify connectivity and ensure proper data transmission across the interface.
Board 1 Ping Test
Board 2 Ping Test
Design and Development Flow
On the hardware side, the MRMAC Ethernet IP is configured using the IP Integrator within the AMD Vivado Design Suite or through the Versal CIPS block, enabling integration of high-speed Ethernet functionality within the programmable logic.
On the software side, embedded Linux environments based on PetaLinux and Yocto are used to enable Ethernet functionality. Support for FPGA Manager and AXI Ethernet drivers allows runtime configuration and control of the networking interfaces.
To accelerate development, iWave provides reference designs for 100G MRMAC configuration on the Versal Prime VM1102 platform, helping developers reduce design complexity and shorten time-to-market.
Target Applications
The iWave Versal Prime 100G Ethernet solution is designed for a wide range of high-performance applications, including:
- Data centers and cloud infrastructure
- Aerospace and defense systems
- Edge computing and smart infrastructure
- Network function virtualization (NFV)
- High-speed storage and data transfer systems
The integration of the 100G MRMAC subsystem on iWave’s Versal Prime platform enables scalable, high-performance Ethernet connectivity for data-intensive applications. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with robust software support and proven reference designs, the platform empowers developers to build next-generation networking and computing systems with greater efficiency.
For more information, demos, or evaluation kits, visit www.iwave-global.com or contact the team at mktg@iwave-global.com.
