sFPDP Recorder : sFPDP data recording solution for real-time and high-speed applications

Context of the Emergence of the sFPDP Protocol

Although the sFPDP protocol is not widely known to the general public, it has actually been used in many technologies since the early 2000s.

The Serial FPDP protocol is a point-to-point serial communication protocol designed to transport data in a manner similar to Ethernet, with the added advantage of optimized latency and determinism characteristics. sFPDP supports both copper and fiber optic physical links. In configurations using fiber optics, the protocol enables very high-speed communications over several kilometers.

Other strengths of the protocol include its efficiency in data stream transmission and its high reliability, which helps prevent any form of data loss.

These characteristics make it attractive — even essential — for all fields where response time, determinism, and data integrity are critical criteria.

A Standardized Protocol in Constant Evolution

The definition of the sFPDP protocol is standardized by the American organization VITA: https://vita.com/AboutUs

This organization defines all the standards for industrial systems used in the embedded sector. These standards ensure interoperability and optimal performance between system components from different manufacturers.

The predecessor of Serial FPDP is the FRONT DATA PORT (FPDP), a 32-bit parallel data bus from the 1990s. At the time, it achieved a data rate of 160 Mb/sec using an 80-wire ribbon cable over a maximum distance of 1 meter. From that point on, the determinism and low latency of this communication link made it a “best-seller,” present in most radar and electronic warfare systems, as well as in medical systems such as MRI.

In the 2000s, the first standard defining the Serial FPDP communication protocol appeared, leveraging the new capabilities of processors. This was the VITA 17 standard.

In 2015, the sFPDP protocol evolved and was defined by the VITA 17.1 standard. This standard ensures data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/sec.

Since 2018, the current standard is VITA 17.3. This new standard allows for higher data rates. It supports multi-channel aggregation and 64B/67B encoding, significantly increasing bandwidth.

In the 2020s, digital communication links evolved alongside processors toward serial communication links, which allow for much higher operating frequencies and data rates than parallel links, as well as long transmission distances — up to several tens of kilometers using optical serial links, with data rates ranging from 1 Gb/sec to 25 Gb/sec.

High-speed serial communication links required for sFPDP operation are now primarily available on FPGAs. The increase in data rates of FPGA serial links is one of the main evolutions and attractions of this technology. Standards are constantly evolving to meet new technological requirements and to take advantage of innovations in the FPGA domain. Over time, communication link speeds have increased from 1 Gb/sec to 56 Gb/sec, passing through 25 Gb/sec.

The sFPDP protocol benefits from this increase in FPGA technology bandwidth while maintaining its speed. Its ability to adapt to new FPGA developments is a major asset for equipment based on this technology.

As a data communication link, Serial FPDP is often challenged by Ethernet technology, which has the advantage of being more widespread, less expensive, and easier to implement since it is directly managed by processors. However, systems requiring “strict real-time” cannot tolerate Ethernet’s latency and lack of determinism. sFPDP then offers a relevant alternative. This topic was the subject of an article written by TECHWAY, published in the VITA magazine and available on our website : 

The PCIe sFPDP board designed by TECHWAY, which the sFPDP recorder is based on, follows this logic by offering up to 4 sFPDP communication links at 10 Gb/sec.

Wide Range of sFPDP Protocol Applications

Serial FPDP proves useful in a variety of applications.

One of its main application areas is radar systems. In this field, Serial FPDP is used to program data processors and to record data during testing. This data can then be reused in data analysis labs to fine-tune and calibrate systems, ensuring optimal performance in real-world conditions.

The protocol is also used for coupling video systems and cameras.

Another field where the sFPDP protocol is used is medical systems, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In these contexts, mastering the transfer time of large volumes of data, response time, and data timestamping is essential for proper equipment operation and result accuracy.

Working on a project that involves sFPDP? We support you in implementing this technology. Tell us about your needs via the contact form.

Integration of Video and Signal Acquisition Boards: Ready-to-Use Systems 

Over time, TECHWAY has developed strong expertise in application integration, simplifying the implementation of complex technologies such as sFPDP, video, and the ARINC818 protocol. Thanks to its skills in data acquisition, processing, and recording, the company designs and develops ready-to-use systems, such as high-speed data switching.

The high-resolution ARINC818 avionics video protocol is one example of TECHWAY’s expertise in this field. This protocol enables real-time video transmission. Link to SPIDER switch. .

In another domain, TECHWAY offers ready-to-use solutions for analog data acquisition: the EAGLE box — “Narrow band A/D converter front-end” — a system that can acquire up to 16 ADC channels and process them in real time. This plug-and-play box converts analog data into 10GbEth for network-based management.

All these solutions are based on boards designed and developed by TECHWAY’s R&D, giving us full control over our solutions.
TECHWAY’s expertise in integration solutions is well recognized, making its products highly regarded in the RADAR sector.

A Continuous Commitment to Research and Development

TECHWAY remains committed to investing in research and development to improve its existing products and create new ones. The company is committed to maintaining and expanding its expertise in these advanced technologies in France.
The sFPDP product line benefits from its own R&D program, exploring new technologies and applications to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

The company remains attentive to customer feedback to adapt and improve its solutions, ensuring long-term satisfaction. This proactive approach allows TECHWAY to stay at the forefront of innovation and meet the ever-increasing demands of the embedded technology industry.

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