1 Overview
A parameterised OFDM transceiver for teams building a waveform that no standard describes. Frame structure, pilot pattern, cyclic-prefix length, FFT size and the synchronisation strategy are all described in a configuration file, from which the core elaborates a matched transmitter, receiver and reference model. Targeting first release in Q4 2026.
2 Features
- FFT sizes from 64 to 8 192 points
- User-defined preamble, pilot pattern and frame structure
- Selectable synchronisation strategy: Schmidl–Cox, CP-based or hybrid
- Per-subcarrier channel estimation with configurable interpolation
- Configuration file drives the VHDL, testbench and reference model together
- Optional windowing and filtered-OFDM spectral shaping
3 Applications
- Satellite gateways, VSAT terminals and on-board processors
- Cellular base stations and private network radios
- Software-defined and tactical radios
- Telemetry, ranging and instrumentation links
4 Specifications
Figures below are for a representative configuration. Resource, latency and throughput scale with the build-time parameters; the released datasheet gives each as a closed-form function of those parameters so you can compute the number for your own configuration.
| FFT size | 64 – 8 192 points |
|---|---|
| Subcarrier modulation | BPSK through 1024-QAM, per-subcarrier |
| Cyclic prefix | Arbitrary length, per-symbol configurable |
| MIMO | Up to 4×4 with spatial multiplexing |
| Availability | Early access now, release Q4 2026 |
| Interfaces | AXI4-Stream data, AXI4-Lite control |
| Product family | Wireless & Satellite Modems |
| Availability | In development |
5 Interfaces and control
The core presents AXI4-Stream data, AXI4-Lite control. All streaming interfaces follow the AXI4-Stream handshake with full back-pressure support; the control plane is generated by ALF-CR-REGGEN, so the register map in section 5 is generated from the same source as the delivered VHDL and cannot drift from it.
The register map is delivered as an IP-XACT description alongside a C header and a UVM register abstraction layer, all generated together. Every field carries its access policy, reset value and any side effect in the generated documentation.
6 Configuration
The core is configured through a single package file of build-time parameters and an elaboration-time consistency check that fails the build — rather than failing in simulation — when a parameter combination is not supported. There is no source fork per configuration, so you stay on the mainline release and keep receiving maintenance updates.
Re-parameterisation within the documented range is covered by your licence at no additional cost. If you need a parameter outside the documented range, that is a design services conversation rather than a new licence.
7 Verification
ALF-RF-OFDM is signed off against the release criteria described on the quality page: bit-exact agreement with the reference model across the regression suite, 100 % statement, branch and toggle coverage with every exclusion reviewed, formal proof of deadlock freedom and reset correctness on the control logic, and timing closure with positive slack on every supported target from the delivered constraints.
The verification environment used for that sign-off is part of the deliverable set. You can re-run it against your own configuration on your own farm.
8 Deliverables
| VHDL source | Synthesisable VHDL-2008, readable and commented, lint-clean |
|---|---|
| Closed-box alternative | Encrypted netlist or protected model, where source is not licensed |
| Reference model | Bit-accurate C++ (Python bindings) or MATLAB, with stimulus scripts |
| Verification | UVM testbench, functional coverage model, interface assertions |
| Test vectors | Directed and constrained-random sets with expected outputs |
| Synthesis | Timing constraints, build scripts and reference reports per target |
| Example design | Buildable project instantiating the core in a system context |
| Documentation | Datasheet, integration guide, register map, interface timing |
| Software | Bare-metal C driver and Linux reference driver, where applicable |
9 Licensing and ordering
ALF-RF-OFDM is available under single-project, multi-project, evaluation and academic licences. All models are one-time fees with no per-unit royalty. See licensing for the full terms, or request a quotation quoting this part number.
10 Document revision history
| Revision | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | July 2026 | Initial preliminary draft |