Xilinx platform FPGAs enable 160Gbps switch fabric from TeraChip

Xilinx Inc. announced that TeraChip, a fabless developer of next-generation switch fabrics is using Xilinx Virtex-II Pro platform FPGAs to implement key functional elements of its memory-based TCF16X10 switching fabric. As a result, TeraChip TCF16X10 breaks new ground by switching 160Gbps in a single 15W chip.

According to TeraChip, it has selected the Virtex-II Pro FPGA based on its on-board 3.125Gbps SERDES. Xilinx FPGAs offer integrated PowerPC embedded technology and 3.125Gbps serial transceivers.

Having first considered an ASIC, the TeraChip design team found that diverse customer requirements made such a solution impractical. By using the flexible FPGA fabric, TeraChip can now easily adjust each solution to meet individual customer requirements.

TeraChip plans on using Xilinx latest Virtex-4 domain-optimized FPGAs in their next-generation products to further reduce cost and increase performance.