Xilinx enables cable operators to future-proof headends

BANGALORE, INDIA: At the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2011 (Booth #302), Xilinx Inc. is demonstrating a cable industry first with Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) delivering up to 160 QAM channels through a single RF port on Xilinx 28nm 7 series FPGAs. This development is vital for multiple system operators (MSOs) offering expanded triple-play services through existing cable headends and demonstrates that FPGA-based headend equipment can deliver the device and signal densities critical in meeting competitive data and content delivery challenges.

Further, cable equipment vendors incorporating the 7 series FPGA architecture from Xilinx bundled with IP cores and system integration provided by RADX Technologies, Inc. can accelerate the development of equipment to meet the new Converged Cable Access Platform (CCAP) specification from CableLabs. CCAP allows MSOs to meet the need for voice, video and data transport combined into a single piece of equipment, allowing richer data throughput over existing networking infrastructures.

With CCAP as a driver regarding future design densities supporting up to six full spectrum RF ports, each carrying 160 QAM channels on a single FPGA, Xilinx will provide the density and flexibility vendors need to get new cable equipment to market faster and keep it up to date and in the field longer optimizing ROI. Moreover, a new programmable-based capability for moving more QAM channels through a smaller footprint comes just in time to help fuel a growth area in cable headend hardware driven by steep competition from IPTV.

“Edge QAM hardware sales are growing rapidly, driven by continued growth in QAM channels used in DOCSIS/M-CMTS, video on demand, and switched digital video applications," said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband access at Infonetics Research. “Worldwide, sales of CMTS and Edge QAM hardware were $464 million in the second quarter of the year, which was up 12 percent from the previous quarter. We expect this trend to continue.”

“By using Xilinx FPGAs, cable equipment manufacturers can maximize QAM channel density while staying inside existing power envelopes, or further reduce overall power consumption,” said Aaron Behman, senior manager, Xilinx Broadcast and Consumer marketing. “Xilinx-based solutions can be deployed today, and because the silicon is field re-programmable, cable operators can future-proof key assets in the headend and will not be forced to upgrade equipment every time standards change or they need to add capacity.”

At SCTE Cable-Tec 2011, Xilinx is highlighting the Edge QAM demo platform that allows designers to evaluate the IP and simulate initial proofs of concept related to their equipment design. The demo platform incorporates a Kintex-7 FPGA implemented on 28nm process technology optimized to deliver low power with high performance.

The demo platform also utilizes a high-speed DAC from Analog Devices or Maxim, as well as evaluation IP cores (J.83 Annex A/B/C, Frequency-Agile Digital Up Converter (DUC) and Digital Pre-Distortion Modules for Analog Devices or Maxim high-speed DACs) from RADX Technologies to deliver up to 160 QAM channels through a single RF port.

“The Xilinx roadmap hits all the features we are looking for in future products – integration, flexibility and a clear path to reduced power,” said Saif Rahman, principal engineer, Comcast Cable. “We expect future equipment to be built upon today’s solution.”

“We expect the Xilinx/RADX relationship to provide customers with a competitive advantage in the broadband marketplace in terms of channel densities, performance and ROI,” said Ross Q. Smith, CEO, RADX Technologies, Inc. “Together, we will provide equipment developers with a uniquely flexible and scalable platform for multiple markets which will result in the industry’s best foundation for next generation networks.”

Xilinx’s 7 series FPGAs offer an ideal balance of low power and high performance in a single device. This enables cable equipment OEMs to develop systems that increase QAM channel density while staying inside existing power envelopes. Unified architecture across the 7 series FPGA family allows equipment makers to scale to even denser implementations – beyond six full spectrum ports – or scale down using Kintex-7 devices to address additional applications (e.g. hospitality), as well as markets outside of North America. Overall, MSOs can support customer demands for broadcast and VOD with a single, flexible architecture.

Further drilling down, Xilinx offers (through RADX Technologies) validated IP blocks to system architects and engineering teams as part of a complete evaluation solution that allows for rapid development of Edge QAM/CMTS/CCAP systems and reducing time-to-market. Today’s Xilinx FPGA architecture can be scaled and modified to support multiple market segments. Xilinx has also partnered with the market-leading high-speed DAC vendors in this application space to deliver integrated solutions.