System Generator Software Features

Chapter 4

System Generator Software Features

This chapter briefly describes how to use various features of the System Generator v2.1. It contains the following sections.

Using the System Generator installer

Using Black Boxes

Use of mixed language projects

Tips for creating a high performance design

Use of System Generator-supplied user constraints (.ucf) file

Files automatically created by System Generator

Using the System Generator installer

The System Generator installer is now contained in a single MATLAB file:

setup.dll.

Download SysgenInstall_v2_1.exe from the Xilinx web site and execute it. This extracts setup.dll and README.txt to a temporary directory. Since setup.dll is a MATLAB file, you will need to install the software from within MATLAB. Open the MATLAB console, then change directories (cd) to the temporary directory where you extracted setup.dll. Type:

>>setup

at the MATLAB console prompt. This will launch the System Generator installer.

Uninstalling previous System Generator directories

If you have previously installed the System Generator tools, the installer will ask if you wish to install System Generator v2.1 to the same location. If so, it will warn you that your old copy will be removed. If you have opened any System Generator designs in your current MATLAB session, you must close and re-open MATLAB before uninstalling can proceed.

Note that the System Generator will remove everything in your previously installed System Generator directory and subdirectories. If you have added any files to the installed System Generator area, they will be removed. We suggest that you back up your System Generator designs into another directory, such as the $MATLAB/work directory.

If you wish to uninstall System Generator v2.1 or previous versions by hand, you may manually remove the entire directory, starting at the top level of the System Generator installed area. This is located by default at $MATLAB/toolbox/xilinx.

Using the System Generator installer

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Using the System Generator installer, Uninstalling previous System Generator directories

V2.1 specifications

Xilinx V2.1 is a notable iteration in the series of versatile and robust Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) developed to cater to a wide range of applications. Launched to provide enhancements in performance and flexibility, V2.1 embodies sophisticated technologies and features that stand out in the electronics industry.

One of the primary features of Xilinx V2.1 is its improved processing power. The architecture has been optimized to support higher clock speeds and increased logic density, allowing for more complex designs to be implemented effectively. This boost in performance is facilitated by utilizing advanced silicon technologies, which significantly reduce power consumption while maximizing efficiency.

Another significant characteristic of Xilinx V2.1 is its enhanced I/O (Input/Output) capabilities. The device supports a variety of industry-standard interfaces, which include PCI Express, SATA, and various serial communication protocols. Such adaptability ensures seamless integration into existing systems, providing engineers with the flexibility to adapt to various application requirements without the need for substantial redesign efforts.

Xilinx V2.1 also features improved scalability, making it a prime choice for applications that demand diverse performance levels. This device supports an array of configurations and can be used in small-scale projects as well as in larger, more demanding environments requiring extensive resources. This scalability is further aided by support for multiple development platforms, enabling rapid prototyping and simplifying the design process.

Security is increasingly becoming a priority in digital design, and Xilinx V2.1 addresses this concern via hardware security features. It includes enhanced encryption protocols and secure boot functionalities, which help protect intellectual property and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, the integration of advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) blocks allows Xilinx V2.1 to efficiently handle data-intensive tasks such as video processing and real-time signal analysis. These capabilities make it suitable for applications in telecommunications, automotive systems, and industrial automation.

Xilinx V2.1 also benefits from a rich development environment, including robust software tools that facilitate design entry, simulation, and verification. The support for industry-standard programming languages like VHDL and Verilog simplifies the development process, enabling engineers to design complex systems more efficiently.

In summary, Xilinx V2.1 stands out due to its impressive combination of high performance, flexibility, scalability, security, and comprehensive development support. These features make it a valuable asset for engineers and developers looking to innovate across various sectors, from telecommunications and automotive to industrial applications.