RFSoC-based embedded computing module for radar, SIGINT, EW, and radio applications introduced by Pentek

Jan. 11, 2021
These products support RF sampling using 5 gigasamples per second 14-bit A/D converters and eight 10 gigasamples per second 14-bit D/A converters.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. – Pentek Inc. in Upper Saddle River, N.J., is introducing model 6003 QuartzXM eXpress embedded computing module for signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare (EW), communications, and radar applications that call for low size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP).

The QuartzXM model 6003 offers greater RF performance and scalability for the company's Quartz RF system-on-chip (RFSoC) product family. The module is based on the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Gen 3, and provides sub-6 GHz direct-RF I/O support with more decimation and interpolation options.

These Quartz products support RF sampling using 5 gigasamples per second 14-bit A/D converters and eight 10 gigasamples per second 14-bit D/A converters, both supporting analog signals as high as 6 GHz.

Each data converter has built-in digital downconverters or upconverters with programmable decimation and interpolation to 40x and independent tuning for increased RF flexibility and frequency planning.

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The Pentek Quartz architecture positions the RFSoC as the cornerstone of the design. All control and data paths are accessible by the RFSoC's programmable logic and processing system.

The Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Gen 3 integrates eight RF-class A/D converters and D/A converters into the Zynq FPGA fabric along with quad ARM Cortex-A53 and dual ARM Cortex-R5 processors, creating a multichannel data conversion and processing solution on one chip.

Complementing the RFSoC's on-chip resources, the QuartzXM model 6003 adds wideband analog RF connectors to preserve signal integrity; LVDS connections to the Zynq UltraScale+ FPGA for custom I/O; GTY connections for 28 gigabaud gigabit serial communications; 16 gigabytes of DDR4 SDRAM; and necessary power supplies and clocking management for RFSoC.

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The QuartzXM model 6003 comes with a suite of Pentek IP modules to provide data capture and processing solutions for many common applications. Modules include DMA engines, DDR4 memory controller, test signal and metadata generators, data packing and flow control.

The board comes pre-installed with IP for triggered waveform and radar chirp generation, triggered radar range gate engine, wideband real-time transient capture, flexible multi-mode data acquisition and extended decimation.

For more information contact Pentek online at www.pentek.com.

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