FPGA allows 'best in class' performance

Sumitomo Electric Industries' high throughput, low density parity check (ldpc) system features an encoding and decoding algorithm it says is capable of improving the signal quality in applications that require highly efficient data transmission. This includes applications such as image processing, high definition digital video broadcasting and optical networking. Altera Stratix IV GX fpga and Quartus design software has been implemented and interfaces with a multi Gigabit analogue/digital converter and features a Nios II embedded processor. The embedded processor operates a TCP/IP protocol stack and facilitates the ldpc encoder and decoder. Sumitomo's assistant general manager, Takashi Maehata, said: "Obtaining this level of performance would not have been possible without Stratix IV GX fpga and their integrated 8.5Gb/s transceivers. As a result… our ldpc system achieves a throughput of 132Gb/s encoding and 24.48Gb/s decoding." Altera's senior director of component product marketing, Luanne Schirrmeister, added: "Today's leading edge, data intensive systems are increasing the demand for high bandwidth devices that are capable of rapidly processing large amounts of data. Our 40nm Stratix IV fpgas continue to push the technology envelope in terms of performance and data rate speeds, allowing companies like Sumitomo to develop advanced systems that previously were not possible."