10Gbps ethernet connection on PCB : SFI or UXSGMII support? Or recommended PHY?

Hi,
I’m currently designing a carrier board for the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial.
On the same carrier board, I will also mount a Botblox UbiSwitch (UbiSwitch Module 3 x 10GBASE-T + 8 1GBASE-T Switch (Heatsink included)).

I would like to have a direct Ethernet link between those 2 devices on my PCB (ie no Ethernet cable or optical fiber in between), with a data rate of 10Gbps if possible (or at least 2.5Gbps).

The UbiSwitch supports many protocols (5GBASE-X, SFI and USXGMII, and several others for lower speeds).

For the Jetson Orin AGX (Industrial), the information is quite contradictory :

  • according to the datasheet (version 1.7, section 5.6) : XFI, SFI and USXGMII are supported
  • according to the design guide (version 1.7, section 7.3) : only XFI and SFI are supported
  • according to some forum posts (for example Does Jetson AGX Orin MGBE support SFI? ), only XFI is supported.

Is there any update on the support of SFI or USXGMII?
Is either one now supported? Or is there anyone who successfully implemented one of them? If so, it would enable a nice direct connection without needing any PHY.

If this isn’t possible, then I see 2 other options :

  • using a PCIe to SFI/USXGMII/5BASE-X bridge IC (has anyone tried it?)
  • adding a PHY on both the Jetson and the UbiSwitch, and connecting them through 10GBASE-T. But then, I still have to find a PHY for the Jetson side (the AQR113C-B0-I used on the devkit don’t seem to be available from any authorized distributor, and Marvell doesn’t even publish a datasheet). Does anyone know a compatible PHY that is easy to source in small quantities?

Thanks a lot in avance
Best Regards
Felix

*** Please note that this reply is generated by LLM automatically ***

To address your question, let’s break down the information and analyze the possibilities for establishing a direct Ethernet link between the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial and the Botblox UbiSwitch on your carrier board.

Supported Protocols on Jetson Orin AGX Industrial

There seems to be a contradiction regarding the supported protocols on the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial. According to different sources:

  • Datasheet Version 1.7, Section 5.6: XFI, SFI, and USXGMII are supported.
  • Design Guide Version 1.7, Section 7.3: Only XFI and SFI are supported.
  • Forum Posts: Some indicate that only XFI is supported, questioning the support for SFI and USXGMII.

This discrepancy suggests that there might be limitations or specific conditions under which these protocols are supported. It’s crucial to consult the most recent and authoritative documentation or contact NVIDIA support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Direct Connection Options

Given the UbiSwitch supports multiple protocols including 5GBASE-X, SFI, and USXGMII, and assuming you want to achieve a data rate of 10Gbps or 25Gbps, here are the options to consider:

  1. Direct Connection via Supported Protocol: If the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial indeed supports XFI, SFI, or USXGMII, a direct connection without a PHY would be possible. However, confirmation of the supported protocols is necessary.

  2. Using a PCIe to SFI/USXGMII/5GBASE-X Bridge IC: This could be a viable option if a direct protocol match is not possible. You would need to find a bridge IC that can convert PCIe signals to one of the protocols supported by the UbiSwitch. This adds complexity but could enable a high-speed connection.

  3. Adding a PHY on Both Sides: Implementing a PHY (Physical Layer) on both the Jetson and the UbiSwitch and connecting them through 10GBASE-T could provide a reliable connection. However, finding a compatible and readily available PHY for the Jetson side is a challenge, as you’ve noted with the AQR113CB0I.

Finding a Compatible PHY

For the Jetson side, if the AQR113CB0I used on the devkit is not readily available, you’ll need to search for alternative PHYs that are compatible with the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial. Consider the following steps:

  • Consult NVIDIA Documentation: Look for any recommendations or specifications for PHYs in the official documentation or design guides.
  • Contact Authorized Distributors: Reach out to authorized distributors for NVIDIA or Marvell (if AQR113CB0I is a Marvell product) to inquire about availability or alternatives.
  • Industry Forums and Communities: Utilize forums, developer communities, or social media groups focused on embedded systems, NVIDIA products, or network engineering to ask about compatible PHYs or similar projects.
  • Component Databases: Search online component databases (like Digi-Key, Mouser, or Newark) using parameters like speed (10Gbps), interface (PCIe or relevant to your connection), and compatibility (with the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial if specified).

Conclusion

Establishing a direct Ethernet link between the Jetson Orin AGX Industrial and the Botblox UbiSwitch requires careful consideration of the protocols supported by both devices. Given the potential for direct connection via XFI, SFI, or USXGMII, or the need for a bridge IC or additional PHYs, each option presents its own set of challenges and complexities. Ensuring the compatibility and availability of components, especially for small quantities, is crucial for the success of your project.

If possible, consider consulting with experts in network engineering or embedded systems design who have experience with similar projects or components. Additionally, reaching out to NVIDIA support or the manufacturer of the UbiSwitch for more detailed technical advice could provide the clarity needed to move forward with your design.

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please see-also developer guide, Ethernet Controller Configuration as see-also.