TDA4VH-Q1: SFP / SFP+ module recommendation / support

Part Number: TDA4VH-Q1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TDA4VH

Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing problems bringing up the Ethernet interface with SFP module.

We are using an FS SFP-GE-T copper SFP module based on the Marvell 88E1111 PHY.

Communication with the module itself appears to work correctly. We can read the module configuration via I²C, and we can also read the correct link status from the PHY over the SGMII interface using phytool.

However, the link status is not reported correctly within Linux.

Has TI used any SFP modules together with your SoCs in reference designs, evaluation platforms, or customer projects?

If so, could you please share:

  • Which SoC was used?
  • Which SFP module (vendor and part number) was used?
  • Which hardware platform and Linux software/BSP version were used?
  • Whether any special configuration was required for proper SFP operation?

Our goal is to obtain the same modules and reproduce a known working setup to quickly determine whether the issue is related to the module, hardware, or software configuration on our side.

Any recommendations or reference designs using SFP modules with TI SoCs would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support.

  • Hi,

    • Can you share the bootlogs observed with the SFP?
    • Is the phy-configuration bootstrapped? 
    • Are you using SGMII or RGMII?
    • Are you using ethfw or native linux driver?

    We have validated our SoC with TI transceivers. Multiple customers have also successfully validated with transceivers from other manufacturer.

    I am not aware of any SFPs used for sub 1Gbps links. Majority directly design with the transceivers on their board. But it shouldn't be a problem for a link up.

    Thanks and Regards,
    Tanmay

  • Hi Tanmay,

    we have already connected several PHY transceivers directly via RGMII and MDIO, so interfacing with Ethernet PHYs is not an issue in general.

    In this setup, we are using the TDA4VH SoC together with an SFP module. Since the SFP interface itself does not provide MDIO access to the PHY, the link status and negotiation information must be exchanged through the SGMII interface. The PHY is integrated into the SFP module and therefore has to be configured through its internal strap settings.

    Our primary goal is to get a known-working SFP module running as a reference design. The exact module is less important at this stage; we are mainly looking for a proven SFP module that is known to work reliably with the TDA4VH CPSW/SGMII interface.

    Best regards, Michael

  • Hi Michael,

    Without the MDIO, it would be similar to bootstrapped phy. We have verified opertaions with bootstrapped SGMII phys as well.

    Specifically for SFP modules, We have verified with SFP+ modules which use the USXGMII. I will share the part number we used for this shortly.

    Regards,
    Tanmay