Introduction
JESD204B and JESD204C are prominent interface standards employed in data converter boards. JESD204B, an advancement from the A standard, introduced enhancements in coding efficiency and throughput.
However, it faced limitations in subclass-0 operation and lane speed. To overcome these constraints, the JESD204C standard was introduced, offering backward compatibility with A and B standards while addressing subclass-0 limitations.
JESD204C’s organizational improvements in readability and clarity, coupled with five comprehensive sections, position it as the preferred interface standard for data converter boards.
Understanding JESD204B and JESD204C:
JESD204 serves as the standard for data converters, with iterations like JESD204B and the latest JESD204C, introduced in 2017, incorporating key features and enhancements.
Key Features and Enhancements:
JESD204C brought about significant changes, including two new 64-bit encoding schemes for higher coding efficiency and throughput, surpassing the 8b/10b encoding used in JESD204B. JESD204C supports a maximum lane rate of 32 Gbps, improving upon JESD204B’s 12.5 Gbps. It introduces features like deterministic latency, improved synchronization, and enhanced multi-device synchronization.
Technical Specifications:
Distinguishing factors between JESD204B and JESD204C include data rate and encoding methods. JESD204C supports a higher maximum lane rate of 32 Gbps compared to JESD204B’s 12.5 Gbps. Additionally, JESD204C utilizes 64b/66b encoding for improved efficiency and lower latency, with an optional 64b/80b encoding scheme for even higher efficiency.
Interface Layers and Functions:
Both standards consist of three interface layers: physical, transport, and logical. JESD204C introduces a new 64b control word format, enhancing features like support for multiple converters and synchronization of multiple devices. JESD204C’s improvements in lane rates and functionality make it a superior choice for high-speed data converter board designs.
Implementation and Compatibility:
When implementing JESD204B or JESD204C, compatibility with the chosen FPGA or converter is crucial. It is imperative to ensure the FPGA can handle the required high-speed data rates and support the initial lane alignment sequence for communication with the converter.
System-Level Considerations:
System-level considerations involve clocking and latency management, as well as addressing link and lane errors. JESD204C’s dedicated clock lane reduces jitter, and its improved deterministic latency management contributes to accurate synchronization. Handling link and lane errors is more efficient in JESD204C due to features like multiblock support.
Applications and Future Directions:
JESD204C caters to various industry sectors, including aerospace, infrastructure, and data-intensive applications, thanks to its faster and more efficient data transfer protocol. Anticipating technological advancements, JESD204C supports higher lane rates and subclass 1 and 2 operations, making it suitable for future faster and more power-efficient data converters.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do the data rates compare between JESD204B and JESD204C standards?
– JESD204B supports a maximum lane rate of 12.5 Gbps, while JESD204C supports up to 32 Gbps, allowing for higher data transfer rates.
- What are the key improvements introduced in JESD204C over the JESD204B specification?
– JESD204C introduces increased lane rates, more efficient coding, improved synchronization, and more flexible lane configurations.
- Can you explain the lane rate calculation differences between JESD204B and JESD204C?
– JESD204B uses the 8B/10B encoding scheme, resulting in an inefficient use of bandwidth, while JESD204C uses the more efficient 64B/66B encoding scheme, allowing for higher data transfer rates.
- What are the primary protocol differences between JESD204B and JESD204C?
– The primary protocol differences include more efficient coding, improved synchronization, more flexible lane configurations, and support for multiple lane rates in JESD204C.
- In what ways has the JESD204C standard enhanced system design compared to JESD204B?
– JESD204C has enhanced system design through increased lane rates, more efficient coding, improved synchronization, and more flexible lane configurations.
- What is the maximum achievable lane rate in the JESD204C standard?
– The JESD204C standard supports a maximum lane rate of 32 Gbps, allowing for higher data transfer rates and more efficient data conversion.
