Over the last few years, HalStor Inc. has developed the Fibre Channel Core and supporting tools for Xilinx''s FPGAs with embedded hard processors. The proposed project would replace existing bulky, slow, expensive and inefficient Fibre Channel switches by single-chip, highly intelligent and efficient solution suitable for high mission load outs of a new class of smart small, micro-munitions and/or stores. Such solution can be efficiently duplicated to create redundant, highly reliable and still cost effective switching system.
Benefit: The commercial market for existing Fibre Channel switches includes medium sized and large computer centers, in addition to specialized applications like this project. Incorporation of highly intelligent, single chip switches will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Storage Area Networks. Moreover, the technology developed is applicable in other switching applications, like evolving FCOE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet). This project, due to its inherent commercial scale, has the ability to provide employment to many engineers, technician and supporting personnel in the US.
Keywords: Fibre Channel, San, Switching, Input/Output, Protocols
