FPGA mezzanine card raises sampling rates for direct RF down conversion
Higher sampling rates, improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) and enhanced multi-board synchronisation processes compared with previous FPGA mezzanine cards characterise the FMC165 FPGA mezzanine card from Abaco Systems.
The FMC165 FPGA mezzanine card is designed for applications with direct RF down conversion such as radar or sonar, software defined radio, and ultra-wide-band satellite digital receivers for defence, electronic warfare, medical equipment, aerospace, and test instrumentation.
The FMC165 can be integrated with any FMC/ FMC+ compatible carrier in an air-cooled configuration and in either air-cooled or conduction-cooled environments with Abaco FPGA carrier cards. The card allows for flexible control of clock source through serial communication buses and is equipped with power supply and temperature monitoring, offering several power-down modes to switch off unused functions to reduce system level power consumption.
The FMC165 extends the lifecycle of the existing FMC160 card, with a technology upgrade. In this case, it is the addition of the Texas Instruments ADC32RF4x ADC which provides an increase in the sampling rate and dynamic range. This allows an improvement in analogue input capabilities compared with existing products to increase performance.
This is part of Abaco Systems’ strategy to supply products which meet new challenges, especially in evolving warfare environments.
According to Pete Thompson, vice president of product management of Abaco Systems, the FMC165 delivers an enhancement on a mature product to meet new requirements for customers’ specific needs.
Abaco Systems specialises in commercial open architecture computing and rugged embedded electronics. It has over 30 years of experience in aerospace and defense, industrial, energy, medical, communications and other critical sectors. Abaco’s innovative solutions align with open standards to accelerate customer success.
Abaco Systems is a division of Ametek, a manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
