[hpsdr] Call for Comments and Discussion - OzyII

[Henry Vredegoor]

Hi Phil,

Last weekend I studied your proposal for a future, new Ozy, OzyII and gave
it some thought.

If the aim is to have an alternative solution for the functionality of Ozy,
which I would characterize as a data dispatch processor between the ATLAS
bus interface and an USB interface (Ethernet interface in case of OzyII),
there are IMHO better and more simple solutions.

I think the implementation of the full Ethernet/TCP-IP functionality in an
FPGA is a difficult and complex task and will take a lot of development
time. (witch could be better spent for "real" HPSDR work ..... :-)  )

I think a real microprocessor based system, maybe an SOC (System On a Chip),
running a (micro-) version of Linux, maybe assisted by some FPGA hardware
and an added high speed LVDS interface to the ATLAS-bus interface would be a
better approach.

The complete TCP-IP functionality is already present in Linux, the physical
Ethernet interface could be done via a High Speed USB interface, using an
external COTS USB-to-Ethernet converter. (No issues with IP and NDA related
matters)

Ready alternative example solutions and -designs ( e.g. BeagleBoard?) are
available.
This is a solution maybe comparable with the currently available Linux based
small router hardware.

Drawback could be the limited performance of 1000 Mbit/s Ethernet, since
High Speed USB is only 480 Mbit/s.
But this I think would also be difficult to achieve with the FPGA design.

Other interesting applications readily available or easy made possible could
be employed for HPSDR with this setup:

- (Mini-) webserver for remote control & monitoring of the HPSDR setup
- Local storage of code for and "standalone" loading of the boards from the
Linux processor after power-on
- standalone logging/recording to external storage

To name a few I can think of right now.

On the other hand the proposed large FPGA solution could be a very nice
(development-) platform for real SDR related time/performance critical
software applications. (sans Ethernet)

Maybe we should have both...... :-)


73's,

Henry.


BTW: I like the nickname "Aussie" for OzyII! My spelling checker suggested
Uzi......






> -----Original Message-----
> From: hpsdr-bounces at lists.openhpsdr.org 
> [mailto:hpsdr-bounces at lists.openhpsdr.org] On Behalf Of Phil Harman
> Sent: zaterdag 18 juli 2009 10:50
> To: hpsdr at openhpsdr.org
> Subject: [hpsdr] Call for Comments and Discussion - OzyII
> 
> 
> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
> 
> All,
> 
> I've posted a preliminary block diagram of what  OzyII could 
> look like on 
> the Wiki -
> 
> < http://openhpsdr.org/wiki/index.php?title=OZYII >
> 
> It's basically a large, leaded, FPGA connected to a 
> 10/100/1000 Ethernet PHY 
> chip.  The LVDS transceivers will provide high speed data 
> access to Mercury 
> and other future projects to free us from any Atlas bus limitations.
> 
> There are a number of options for the Gigabit PHY, these are 
> shown on the 
> Wiki. Initially I'm trying to avoid those manufacturers that 
> require an NDA 
> before they will release data sheets etc on their chips.  If 
> anyone has 
> experience with such PHYs  I would be grateful to hear from them.
> 
> By using a large FPGA if offers the potential to add a soft core 
> microprocessor in the future so that the board can run a full 
> TCP/IP stack, 
> UDP etc. e.g. uIP (see  
> http://www.sics.se/~adam/uip/index.php/Main_Page ).
> Initially we will use the Gigabit PHY as just a fast 
> connection to the PC 
> and use raw frames to communicate.
> 
> Lyle, KK7P, has kindly volunteered to lay out the PCB and we 
> have funding 
> from TAPR to undertake the prototype development.  Thanks to 
> both for their 
> continued support.
> 
> Bill, KDTFD, has offered to help with the PC Ethernet code and would 
> appreciate assistance from anyone who has experience with 
> working with 
> Ethernet at a low level on the PC under Windows.
> 
> Feedback is requested in relation to features and facilities 
> that folks may 
> require.
> 
> 73's Phil...VK6APH
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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