Xilinx System Generator v2.1 Reference Guide

Installed System Generator directory

The installer will create the following directory structure on your PC:

xilinx/

sysgen/

bin

examples

help

scripts

vhdl

These directories contain the following:

bin - This is the location of all system files. You should not add, delete, or change files in this subdirectory.

examples - This subdirectory contains examples that show how to run the software. This subdirectory also includes demonstration projects which show proper use of some of the Xilinx blocks.

help - The System Generator documentation (.pdf files, viewable in Adobe Acrobat) is located here.

scripts - This directory contains auxiliary Perl scripts which are used by the System Generator. These scripts are described in Chapter 6 of this document.

vhdl - This directory contains a library of core VHDL files used to construct your System Generator design.

Using Black Boxes

There are times when a design must include subsystems that cannot be realized with Xilinx blocks. For example, the design might require a FIR filter whose capabilities differ from those in the filter supplied in the Xilinx Blockset. Black boxes provide a way to include such subsystems in designs otherwise built from Xilinx blocks. To add a black box to a design, do the following:

Implement the subsystem (your black box) in Simulink. The subsystem can contain any combination of Xilinx and non-Xilinx blocks.

Place the Xilinx Black Box token at the top level sheet of the subsystem. This indicates to System Generator that the user will provide the VHDL or Verilog HDL necessary to implement that subsystem.

Double-click on the token to open the Black Box block parameters dialog box. Enter the information that describes the black box.

You must manually enter your VHDL or Verilog HDL black box files into your downstream software tools project after you run the System Generator code- generation step.

A Black Box Example

The directory: /xilinx/sysgen/examples/black_box, ordinarily stored in $MATLAB/toolbox) contains an example showing how to use black boxes.

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Using Black Boxes, Installed System Generator directory, Black Box Example

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.