Ethernet ? Yes…
Ethernet is pervasive in the Computing and Telecom world, and there is no easier way to link Processing units together, with distances from a few inches to thousands of miles. The connectivity is also pervasive and cheap, and the speed excellent (Gigabit Ethernet is now everywhere).
… but …
Ethernet is easy for CPUs and motherboards but was so far a real pain to implement in FPGAs. The reason being it typically required: a Processor, an Ethernet MAC, an SGDMA, External Memories, a Real Time Operating System, a software Ethernet stack, and custom embedded software!
All that to end up with a bulky and expensive solution that is unable to reliably sustain the transfer rate that Gigabit allows (even with no other task to take care of).
GEDEK changes everything !
No processor is required, no external memory, 100% bandwidth is guaranteed in both directions simultaneously, no RTOS, no software development, no FPGA development, no PC-side development, and all this in a tiny footprint, for a very low cost and no (zero) royalty.
GEDEK is absolutely unique on the market, so be prepared to revise your ideas about Ethernet, to give up inferior standards and performance (from RS232, HDLC, to USB, USB2 etc), to get rid of platforms and drivers issues, and to enter the wonderful world of Ethernet!
Note that GEDEK exists both for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbits) links where Gigabit performance is not required (Fast Ethernet is cheaper than GbE and runs on less power) and for Gigabit Ethernet (and dual-mode). We have developed a 10G version of GEDEK, which is described in a separate article.
For what kind of FPGAs ?
GEDEK is available on most FPGAs, and a lot of demo platforms are readily available. GEDEK comes with “batteries included”: the PC-side is also provided, for Linux or Windows so there is no (zero) development required to build a complete solution.
Using GEDEK, adding Ethernet connectivity to any FPGA design usually takes less than one day.
Want to know more ?
Take a look at our Introduction to GEDEK.
The next step will be to fill in our Information Request Form and tell us about your application.