Samtec Plays Key Role in New Dev Kit
Development kits are essential tools for anyone working with programmable logic. Whether you’re prototyping an embedded system or exploring the features of a new FPGA architecture, having a stable, well-documented platform reduces the time between concept and implementation. A new dev kit that highlights this approach is available from our friends at Arrow. Created in conjunction with Trenz Electronic, it focuses on accessibility, robust connectivity, and practical expansion options.
The AXE5000 features the Agilex™ 5 E-series FPGA, a mid-range device from Altera (Intel). This is specifically designed for the type of edge applications that benefit from a balance of performance and power efficiency. It incorporates hardened AI tensor blocks and DSP slices, but for most developers, the standout feature may simply be the chance to explore this architecture with real hardware. Getting hands-on with production silicon, rather than a simulation or emulation, can be the best way to understand how a device behaves in the real world.
What makes the AXE5000 highly practical is its compact layout and thoughtful I/O design. It includes on-board USB‑Blaster III for programming and debug, HyperRAM and QSPI flash for memory and configuration, and a USB-C port for power and communication. It also offers a small collection of peripherals, including LEDs, switches, an accelerometer that can be useful for quick demonstrations and educational projects.
But where the board really shows its strength is in its connector strategy. With Arduino MKR headers and CRUVI high-speed expansion, developers can prototype around both low-speed and high-speed domains. This flexibility is vital in real-world designs, where connecting sensors, radios, or additional logic must be robust and repeatable. Samtec supplies the board’s high-speed connectors, supporting signal integrity and delivering mechanical reliability. This combination can separate a productive development board from a frustrating one.
Overall, the AXE5000 is not designed to do everything. Instead, it focuses on the features that help engineers with their next design. Real silicon, reliable options for expansion, and a practical layout that encourages experimentation. It’s not about cramming features in – it’s about making sure the features that are there actually support development workflows.
The new AXE5000 dev kit is available from Arrow.com. There is also a wiki page where you can find the user guide, full documentation and reference designs to get you started quickly. Samtec supplies the CRUVI connectors for the AXE5000. The purpose of CRUVI is to create an open ecosystem of functional FPGA I/O modules, supporting new and emerging FPGA and SoC devices. CRUVI high-speed interfaces enable expansion of FPGA SerDes from the Agilex FPGA off board.
Standard CRUVI Connectors from Samtec include:
ST4-30-1.50-L-D-P – CRUVI High-Speed/XCVR Peripheral Side Connector
SS4-30-3.50-L-D-K – CRUVI High-Speed/XCVR Carrier Side Connector
