Versal ACAP Ethernet Reference Designs

Architecture

Versal ACAP Network Stack

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ HOST / PetaLinux BSP │ │ │ │ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Linux │ │ ethtool │ │ Custom User-Space │ │ │ │ Net Stack│ │ / ip │ │ Application │ │ │ └────┬─────┘ └────┬─────┘ └────┬─────────────────┘ │ │ └──────────────┴─────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────────┴──────────┐ │ │ │ AXI Ethernet Driver │ │ │ └──────────┬──────────┘ │ ├───────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────┤ │ VERSAL PL FABRIC │ │ │ │ │ ┌───────────────────┴──────────────────────┐ │ │ │ AXI4-Stream Interface │ │ │ └────────┬────────────────────┬────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌────────┴────────┐ ┌────────┴────────┐ │ │ │ DCMAC 100G │ │ MRMAC 4×25G │ │ │ │ (600 MHz core) │ │ (Multi-Rate MAC)│ │ │ └────────┬────────┘ └────────┬────────┘ │ │ └────────────────────┘ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────────┴──────────┐ │ │ │ GTM Transceivers │ │ │ │ (112G PAM4 SerDes) │ │ │ └──────────┬──────────┘ │ ├───────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────┤ │ PHYSICAL LAYER │ │ ┌──────────┴──────────┐ │ │ │ QSFP28 / QSFP-DD │ │ │ │ Optical Module │ │ │ └─────────────────────┘ │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Engineering

Key Design Decisions

⚡

DCMAC vs MRMAC Selection

DCMAC provides dedicated 100G with hardened MAC for lowest latency. MRMAC offers flexible multi-rate (10G/25G/50G/100G) at the cost of PL resources. Design guides cover when to use each based on bandwidth and resource constraints.

🔌

GTM SerDes Configuration

Versal GTM transceivers support 112 Gbps PAM4 signaling. Reference designs include pre-emphasis, equalization, and eye diagram optimization for each board's channel loss characteristics.

🐧

PetaLinux BSP Integration

Full Board Support Packages with device tree overlays, AXI Ethernet drivers, and network stack configuration. Enables standard Linux networking tools (ip, ethtool, iperf3) for production validation.

📐

Multi-Board Support

Single design methodology adapted across VCK190, VPK120, and VPK180 platforms. Parameterized IP integrator flows with board-specific constraint files and pinout mappings.

Stack

Technology & Tools

Component	Technology	Purpose
FPGA Platform	`AMD Versal ACAP`	VCK190 / VPK120 / VPK180 boards
100G MAC	`DCMAC (Hardened)`	Dedicated 100G Ethernet MAC IP
Multi-Rate MAC	`MRMAC`	Flexible 10G/25G/50G/100G MAC
Transceivers	`GTM SerDes`	112 Gbps PAM4 high-speed serial
Design Suite	`Vivado 2023+`	RTL synthesis, P&R, bitstream
Embedded OS	`PetaLinux 2023+`	BSP, device tree, kernel drivers
Interconnect	`AXI4-Stream / NoC`	Data path between MAC and PS/PL
Validation	`iperf3 / ethtool`	Performance verification

AMD Answer Records

AR# — DCMAC 100G Ethernet reference design for VPK120
AR# — DCMAC 100G Ethernet reference design for VPK180
AR# — MRMAC 4×25G Ethernet reference design for VCK190
AR# — MRMAC Ethernet reference design for VPK120
AR# — PetaLinux BSP integration guide for Versal Ethernet
AR# — GTM SerDes bring-up and eye diagram optimization
AR# — Versal Ethernet performance benchmarking methodology