--- Quote Start ---
Wireless link is really important in my plan because there will be several FPGA systems at remote locations but I am with only single host PC. It is like a 'star network'.
--- Quote End ---
Ok, that makes sense. However, the wireless link does not have to be part of the FPGA design, it only needs to be part of the node design. If each node is a PC with an FPGA card and a WiFi card plugged into it, then all you need to find is an appropriate WiFi PCIe card, and drivers. Just because an FPGA *could* be used for the WiFi, does not mean it should be. FPGAs are expensive, PCs are cheap, use the PC and as much commercial hardware where you can, and only build custom hardware where you have to.
Does each processing node have to use 6 ADCs?
--- Quote Start ---
The ADC, RAM and FPGA will be running in realtime but the SATA and wireless link will not streaming in realtime. It will allow the remote user's request to download the ADC sample/snapshot (could be in 10++ MB capacity per text file) from its SATA storage to the host PC at another physical location.
--- Quote End ---
Ok. But don't use a text file, use a binary file, otherwise you are wasting bandwidth :)
--- Quote Start ---
The frequency of my incident signals come from a UltraWideBand receiver, usually at lower MHz band. So basically just stick to the ADC's peak sampling rate of 400MSa/s.
--- Quote End ---
What are the *exact* frequency requirements of your system? Your system should only store exactly the bandwidth needed for each operating mode.
--- Quote Start ---
If current plan works, I will make another GSa/s system. But this is unimportant for now.
--- Quote End ---
What sampling frequency and how many bits? National semiconductor has 3GHz clock rate parts, e2v have 5GHz parts, etc.
--- Quote Start ---
More critical issue is whether I will get the right development board and software. I feel like go for the Altera kit since Terasic-DE4 will not include the full version license for Quartus2 and Modelsim. The licenses for this software cost another $5000... :)
--- Quote End ---
Before buying too many licenses, check that the system design will work correctly.
I suspect you need Quartus to synthesize for the Stratix IV device. I doubt that you need the full edition of Modelsim; try the web edition first.
Cheers,
Dave
Honored Contributor
