The Challenge: High-Speed Data Logging

As network and sensor data rates continue to increase, many data logger systems struggle to maintain sustained recording speed — especially when file system support is required. CPU-based architectures often become the bottleneck, leading to:

This FPGA-based data logging project demonstrates a standard, reusable data logger architecture, implemented with 100G Ethernet to clearly showcase high-performance capability.

FPGA-Based Reference Architecture

This project is built as an FPGA-based system, where all time-critical data handling is performed in hardware logic. Incoming data is buffered, processed, and recorded without relying on a CPU for the data path.

Ethernet Data Logger System

To demonstrate a demanding real-world scenario, the system is implemented as a 100G Ethernet data logger. This closed application allows customers to easily understand system behavior, performance limits, and design advantages — while still serving as a flexible base for other applications. Watch the YouTube Demo Video

Sustained Recording with DDR Buffering

One of the key challenges in high-speed logging is maintaining a stable, sustained write rate. In this system:

This buffering mechanism ensures continuous recording without packet loss, even under full line-rate traffic.

High-Speed File-Based Recording (PCAPNG)

Unlike raw data dump solutions, this system records data directly into a standard file system format:

This makes captured data immediately usable for analysis, debugging, and validation.

Built on Proven Storage IP Cores

The system is powered by two key IP cores that work together seamlessly:

Together, these IPs combine high-speed recording with easy data retrieval, creating a smooth workflow from capture to analysis.

Packet Filtering via Software Configuration

To improve usability, the system includes packet filtering control through a user application:

This makes the system practical for real-world logging and monitoring scenarios.

Scalable on Agilex 7 FPGA Platform

The demo is implemented on an Altera Agilex 7 FPGA board, and the hardware resources can be adjusted to match final system requirements.

Examples of scalability include:

This flexibility allows customers to scale performance without changing the core architecture.

A Reusable Base for High-Speed Data Loggers

While demonstrated as a 100G Ethernet data logger, this FPGA-based system can serve as a base platform for:

Watch the YouTube Demo Video