Each FPGA board contains a parallel Flash connected to the bridge FPGA. Upon initialisation of the bridge it examines the Flash contents and if a target design has been stored in it the bridge will configure the target FPGA with this BIT file.

In the SDK bin directory is a program called flash.exe, run this in the command line with the syntax:

flash.exe program target.bit

where target.bit is the name of your bit file.

All XRMs, which have this facility, use SR60 or equivalent batteries.

This varies greatly depending on the target FPGA device that is selected and the resources consumed by the user design. As a general rule of thumb, the Alpha-Data PMC boards with smaller Virtex5 devices (SX95T,LX110T) require 4-5 Watts of power in the idle state. The user design can add an additional 5-15 Watts of power depending on the size of the user design. Alpha-Data provides estimation tools with our products which can be used in conjunction with the Xilinx^® XPE tool

All of the Alpha-Data Viretx-4 and Virtex-5 PMC boards can be used in a PCI-Express system via a PCI-Express carrier. Alpha-Data offers the ADC-EMC for a dual PMC solution in a PCI-Express environment. Half length single PMC carriers are also widely available from 3rd party vendors.

The entire target device is available for the user design. When host access to the FPGA is required, the host interface (via local bus) typically consumes less than 1% of the target FPGA resources

There are 3 different methods that can be used for maximum flexibility.

1) Via the JTAG chain using a Xilinx^® Platform Cable.

2) Directly from the host computer. The Alpha-Data API provides functions to do this using the example designs and user applications.

3) Via the onboard flash memory. An API function is also provided to access the flash on the board, and the 'flash' example application provides a means to program and verify the flash device.

Yes, there is a comprehensive Software Development Kit (SDK) provided with our hardware. This contains a number of executables to access and test the various features of the hardware. The source code, FPGA designs, and documentation are also provided in the SDK. In addition, many of our XRM modules are provided with application specific example designs. These provide a working turn-key system that can easily be customized.

The current FPGA technology allows for a great deal of flexibility I/O standards. Alpha-Data hardware is designed to use the entire spectrum of Select IO technology, and maintain signal integrity. For specific interfaces, refer to the relevant FPGA device datasheet.

Alpha-Data can customize our products for your requirements. Many of the products can be readily customized with different memory sizes, clock frequencies, I/O Terminations, and settings. Contact us with your specific needs.

A new application will require the following tools: Xilinx^® ISE, a C compileer for your operating system, and the Alpha-Data SDK.

The Xilinx^® ISE WebPACK can be dowloaded free from the Xilinx^® website.

the Microsoft Visual C++ Express Edition can be downloaded free .

The Alpha-Data SDK is provided as part of the purchase price with our hardware.

Also recommended for fast development and debugging of new designs are: ModelSim Simulator and Xilinx^® Chipscope.

All goods from Alpha-Data carry a 6 months free support service. This service is available by letter, phone, fax, and email. Technical support contracts for longer periods are available upon request. Support contracts for software components also normally cover the cost of updates/upgrades.

All Alpha-Data products enjoy parts and labor warranty for 12 months after purchase. The warranty is based on the customer returning the defective goods to Alpha-Data for repair or replacement, which will be at the discretion of the company. The warranty does not cover damages caused by negligence, misuse, and normal wear and tear. No liability is accepted by the company for any damage caused by the use of its hardware or software.

Alpha-Data is comitted to environmental protection, and the the majority of our products are produced as RoHS 6 of 6 compliant. We will continue to use lead-free processes when ever possible. Please contact Alpha-Data for specific product lead-free status.

Yes, Alpha-Data can provide a custom XRM module to suit specific requirements. The necessary information can also be provided to the customer to produce their own XRM designs.

The XMC is the same format as the PMC except it has extra connectors to the carrier allowing direct high-speed serial communication to the system. This can be PCI-Express or Serial Rapid IO. The newer Alpha Data PMC products have an option to have the XMC connector fitted (/X on the order code). The high-speed serial lanes connect to the Target FPGA allowing the user application to incorporate the link directly into their design.

The more recent products have been designed to allow the fitting of a heatsink and/or bolting to the carrier cooling system.

The option is available for a selection of Alpha Data products. Contact Alpha Data for more information.

The basic version of Alpha Data boards. This indicates that the board requires only convection cooling. The boards may still heat up if there is insufficient air flow to allow convection cooling to work optimally.

The convection cooled industrial version of Alpha Data boards. This indicates that the board requires only convection cooling, it uses industrial grade components and may have a heatsink fitted. The boards may still heat up if there is insufficient air flow to allow convection cooling to work optimally.

The conduction cooled version of Alpha Data boards. This indicates that the board has been designed to bolt onto the carriers cooling system. The board shall be fitted with industrial grade components and have a heatsink fitted.

Some of Alpha Data's boards are designed to allow heatsinks to be fitted to them. Contact Alpha Data for more information.