Arria V GT transceiver with SFP+

[Altera_Forum]

Hello, 

can 10-Gbps transceivers in Arria V devices be used to implement 10GBASE-R interface by direct connection to optical SFP+ modules? If we look at pages: https://www.altera.com/solutions/technology/transceiver/protocols.html https://www.altera.com/solutions/technology/transceiver/overview.html SFP+ are not supported, but   arria v soc development kit (http://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?language=english&categoryno=166&no=893) and altera arria v gt fpga development kit (http://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?language=english&categoryno=166&no=739) have SPF+ ports directly connected to FPGA. Are there some restrictions on SFP+ module types or supported media type or data transfer rate?

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 As I understand it, Arria V device is not able to directly interface with SFP+ modules at 10G. Only Stratix V can directly interface as Stratix V has additional PMA blocks. I believe the devkit might have additional component in between the transceiver and the SFP+ modules.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi! 

bfkstimchan, thank you for your reply. Still the documentation leaves me in doubt.  As they say in Arria V Handbook, Vol.2, on page 1-8 they say: "Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) Interface Arria V GT devices are compliant to SFF 8431 with considerations to the number of channel requirements and board designs." Does anyboby know what these "considerations" mean? And in Arria V SoC Development Kit the FPGA is connected to the SFP+ connector with no components on the path. (The schematics of the board is available on Altera web site).  If I plug an optical module in this board, will the channel operate at full speed and will it be compatible with other network equipment? Unfortunately I don't have this kit now to make an experiment. But I need the answer before I buy it.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi sl_max, 

 I believe the "considerations" here refer to the restriction on the number of channels that can be used. As per the handbook, I think you should file a service request or contact your FAE to under the restriction.