AV155 – Versal™ RF
Product overview
The AV155 is a high-performance solution in our portfolio of Ultra Wideband Radar, ECM, and SIGINT systems, built on a rugged, conduction-cooled platform.
This 3U VPX board is powered by the AMD Versal™ RF VR1652 or VR1952, delivering exceptional processing capabilities for the most demanding applications. It features 4 or 8 channels of 32 Gsps 14-bit ADC (depending on the model) and 8 channels of 16 Gsps 14-bit DAC, with an analog bandwidth of up to 18 GHz. An ultra-low jitter clock synthesizer ensures precise timing, with support for both external and internal sampling clock references.
Designed in full compliance with the SOSA™ standard, the AV155 guarantees seamless interoperability across radar, electronic warfare, and communications systems, supporting smooth integration with diverse communication protocols and user-defined I/Os.
The board also includes 3×32-bit 64 Gb DDR5 memory running at 8533 Mbps LPDDR5X, providing ample bandwidth for real-time signal processing and high-speed data operations. Its conduction-cooled design makes it ideal for deployment in harsh environments.
The AV155 is perfectly suited for applications in Phased-Array Radar Transmitter/Receiver systems, Electronic Warfare (ESM/ECM), Broadband Communication, Target Radar Simulation/Generation, and airborne embedded systems, addressing the needs of the most demanding markets.
Benefits & features
- AMD Versal™ RF VR1652 or VR1952
- 4/8 channels 32 Gsps 14-bit ADC (VR1652/VR1952)
- 8 channels 16 Gsps 14-bit DAC
- Analog bandwidth up to 18 GHz
- Ultra Low jitter clock synthesizer
- External or internal sampling clock reference
- 3x 32-bit 64Gb DDR5 8533Mbps LPDDR5X
- Conduction Cooled
- SOSA-aligned
The AV155 is a high-performance RF FPGA VPX board designed for advanced direct RF processing and real-time signal conversion in demanding embedded environments.
Based on AMD Versal™ adaptive SoC technology, the platform combines programmable logic, high-bandwidth data paths, and embedded processing capabilities to deliver ultra-low latency performance for radar, electronic warfare, and RF signal processing applications.
The AV155 integrates advanced RF conversion capabilities with FPGA acceleration, enabling efficient handling of wideband signals in real time. This makes it ideal for systems requiring fast signal acquisition, processing, and decision-making at the edge.
By leveraging a direct RF FPGA architecture, the AV155 reduces system complexity while increasing performance and flexibility for next-generation RF and defense applications.
Diagrams
Tech specs
Form Factor
- 3U VPX Conduction cooled Vita 48.2, pitch 1.0”
VPX Profile
- SLT3-PAY-1F1U1S1S1U1U2F1H-14.6.11-12
Analog Input/Output
- Input coupling: AC
- Full power bandwidth: 10MHz to 18 GHz
- Output coupling: AC
- Full power bandwidth: 10MHz to 18 GHz
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Connectors: Vita 67.3 NanoRF
Analog-Digital Conversion
- Four / Eight channels, up to 32Gsps (VR1652/VR1952)
- Resolution: 14 bit
- Sampling Performances at 32Gsps
Digital-Analog Conversion
- Eight channels, up to 16Gsps
- Resolution: 14 bits
Clock
- Two Ultra-low jitter clock synthesizers
- External or internal sampling clock reference
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Connectors: Vita 67.3 NanoRF
Memory
- Three 32-bit 64Gb 8533Mbps LPDDR5X
- One 2 Gbit QSPI FLASH memory
- eMMC storage
Operating Temperature
- ECC3, -40°C to 70°C
VPX interface
- P1:
- Data plane: one fat pipe DP01 supporting 100GBASE-KR4
- Data plane: one ultra-thin pipe DPutp01 supporting 10GBASE-KR
- Control plane: one ultra-thin pipe CPutp01 supporting 1000BASE-KX
- Expansion plane: one fat-pipe supporting PCIE GEN3 4x
- Expansion plane: 8 LVDS differential pairs
- P2:
- Vita 67.3C Aperture H
- NanoRF Contacts-6.4.5.6.10
- 4x/8xIN, 8xOUT, REFIN, REFOUT
Power dissipation
- +12V: 14 A max (170W)
- +3.3VAUX: 0.6A max (2W)
Weight
- 630g
Applications
What is an RF FPGA?
An RF FPGA (Radio Frequency Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable device designed to process high-frequency analog signals directly in the digital domain using FPGA-based architectures.
Unlike traditional RF systems that rely on multiple conversion stages (RF → IF → baseband), an RF FPGA enables direct RF sampling and processing, significantly reducing latency, system complexity, and power consumption.
This technology is widely used in advanced radar systems, electronic warfare (EW), signal intelligence (SIGINT), and software-defined radio (SDR) applications, where real-time processing and adaptability are critical.
RF FPGA platforms, such as the AV155, combine high-speed analog interfaces with FPGA logic to enable flexible, software-defined signal processing architectures capable of handling wideband and complex RF environments.
Direct RF architecture
A direct RF architecture eliminates traditional intermediate frequency (IF) stages by digitizing RF signals as close to the antenna as possible.
In this approach, incoming RF signals are directly sampled using high-speed data converters and immediately processed by the FPGA fabric. This enables a simplified signal chain with fewer analog components, reducing noise, latency, and system complexity.
The AV155 leverages this architecture to enable real-time RF signal acquisition and processing, making it particularly suited for radar, electronic warfare, and wideband communication systems.
By combining direct RF sampling with FPGA-based compute acceleration, the AV155 delivers a powerful platform for next-generation RF and defense applications.
Why choose a VPX RF FPGA platform?
A VPX RF FPGA platform offers a rugged, high-performance computing architecture designed for mission-critical embedded systems in aerospace, defense, and industrial environments.
The VPX standard provides high-speed backplane connectivity, modularity, and mechanical robustness, making it ideal for systems requiring reliable operation under harsh conditions.
Applications of the AV155
The AV155 RF FPGA VPX board is designed for advanced embedded applications requiring real-time RF signal processing, high bandwidth, and ultra-low latency computing.
Radar systems
The AV155 enables high-speed radar signal acquisition and processing, supporting applications such as target detection, tracking, and imaging in complex electromagnetic environments.
Electronic Warfare (EW)
With its direct RF processing capabilities, the platform is well suited for electronic warfare systems requiring fast signal interception, analysis, and adaptive response mechanisms.
Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and ISR
The AV155 supports wideband RF monitoring and intelligence gathering applications, enabling real-time analysis of complex signal environments.
Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Its FPGA-based architecture allows flexible implementation of SDR systems, supporting multi-band and multi-protocol communication systems.
Wideband RF test and measurement
The platform can also be used in advanced RF testing environments requiring high-speed data acquisition and real-time signal processing.
By combining direct RF architecture, FPGA acceleration, and VPX rugged design, the AV155 provides a versatile platform for next-generation RF and defense systems.
Deliverables
Board Support Package
- FPGA + HPS exemple design
- SW API and examples, Windows 10 64-bits / Linux 64-bits
- User manuals
- Quick start guide