Possible Configurations – Starter Boards

If you are more of a hobbyist or doing this on the side, here are some possible board configurations that you can use to experiment with a 10 Gigabit connection.

Remember, a SFP+ connection is synonymous with a 10 Gigabit connection.

Zynq


ZedBoard Zynq-7000 ARM/FPGA SoC Development Board

If you are a student, you can apply for a free one through the Xilinx University Program.

FPGA: Zynq-7000 AP SoC XC7Z020-CLG484

$449.00

https://store.digilentinc.com/zedboard-zynq-7000-arm-fpga-soc-development-board/


Genesis ZU: Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC Development Board

Has 1 SFP+ Connector suitable for a 10 Gigabit connection.

FPGA: Zynq Ultrascale+ (XCZU3EG-SFVC784-1-E)

Pros: You can put the board on your desk and play around with other components.

Cons: You can’t plug it in to your system in a regular port. Has only 1 10 Gigabit port.  However, there is a FMC connector which you can use to add other peripherals, including a board with an SFP+ connector.

$1,149.00

https://store.digilentinc.com/genesys-zu-zynq-ultrascale-mpsoc-development-board/

 


Virtex-7


Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA VC709 Connectivity Kit

FPGA: Virtex-7 XC7VX690T-2FFG1761C

Pros:

Plugs in to your Development Workspace

Has 4 SFP+ Connectors

Has an FMC Connector for expansion

Professional Support from Xilinx

Cons:

Pricey

Not good for a hobbyist

$4,995.00

https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/dk-v7-vc709-g.html


NetFPGA-SUME Virtex-7 FPGA Development Board

FPGA: Virtex-7 XC7VX690T-FFG1761-3

Pros:

Access to a big open source community

Cons:

Sometimes open source is more of a curse than a blessing.

$6,995.00

https://store.digilentinc.com/netfpga-sume-virtex-7-fpga-development-board/


Kintex-7


Genesys 2 Kintex-7 FPGA Development Board

FPGA: Kinex-7 XC7K325T-2FFG900C

Pros:

Has an FMC connector

Cons:

No out of the box support for 10 Gigabit

$999.00

https://store.digilentinc.com/genesys-2-kintex-7-fpga-development-board/


NetFPGA-1G-CML Kintex-7 FPGA Development Board

FPGA: Kintex-7 XC7K325T-1FFG676

Pros:

Cheaper than a 10 Gigabit solution.

Use to test out your FPGA based network solution before porting to 10 Gigabit

Cons:

No 10 Gigabit support – only 1 Gigabit

$1,499.00

https://store.digilentinc.com/netfpga-1g-cml-kintex-7-fpga-development-board/


Possible Expansion FMC Board

4-Port SFP+ (4x10G) FMC Module (Vita57.1)

http://www.hitechglobal.com/FMCModules/FMC_4SFP+_Module.htm

Cost: $595

Pros: Take a board and get 4 x 10 Gigabit connectors instead of just one.

Cons: Might as well just spend the extra 200$ to get  a board that already has a 10 Gigabit connector on it.

I have never used a board with an FMC connector, so this particular FMC board may not be compatible.

Leave a Comment