IEEE 1394b (Firewire)

Altera_Forum · ‎11-12-2008

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out the best way to add a Firewire interface to my device that uses a Cyclone III FPGA. Basically I get a lot of data from a bunch of sensors and want to ship it to a PC (but the data rate is too high for USB). For USB several integrated controllers exist but I couldn't find any for Firewire. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Andrew

Altera_Forum · ‎11-12-2008

Unfortunately, it won't be easy. I haven't found any readily available IP for a 1394b link-layer controller for Altera FPGA's.

You could get the PCI core and a 1394b OHCI chip from TI, but that also seems like overkill.

Unfortunately, if you want to do 1394b it seems that you might be best off doing your own link-layer controller and getting a PHY chip from TI.

Another option might be to go the GigE route and use the Tri-Mode ethernet MAC from OpenCores.

Good luck!

Altera_Forum · ‎11-12-2008

Thanks for the info. I think PCI is out because I'm not sure I have enough I/Os to do a PCI bus. I'll look into GigE though.