PCIe Over Fiber Optics in FPGA-Based Systems
L. Merlos Pieri (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
G. Gaydadjiev – Mentor (TU Delft - Quantum Circuit Architectures and Technology)
Kubilay Atasu – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Data-Intensive Systems)
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Abstract
This thesis addresses the growing demand for faster and more reliable data transfer solutions in data-intensive applications, with a strong emphasis on scalability and flexibility. The research centers on the design and implementation of a high-speed data transfer system that utilises PCIe over fiber optics. The main objective is to explore how PCIe technology can be effectively extended over long distances using fiber optics, while maintaining high throughput and low latency, essential for supporting the demands of modern data-intensive environments.
The design and implementation of the system were approached methodically, with careful selection of components and a focus on optimising the system architecture for performance. Detailed experimentation was conducted to evaluate the system's capabilities, resulting in successful data transfer rates of up to 58.02 Gbps using a Gen3 x8 PCIe configuration over a 10-meter fiber link. These findings confirm the viability of PCIe over fiber as an effective solution for high-speed data transfer, while also identifying specific areas where further improvements could be made.
Future work could explore the adoption of newer PCIe generations and the optimisation of critical parameters, such as Maximum Payload Size (MPS). Additionally, there is potential to enhance the system's performance by investigating optical connectors capable of supporting sideband signals. These advancements would further improve the system's adaptability and efficiency across a wide range of application scenarios.