Xilinx Blockset Overview

Chapter 2

Xilinx Blockset Overview

This chapter gives an overview of the Xilinx Blockset, including background information on underlying blockset implementation, which will help you understand how each block can be used to create and simulate your designs.

This chapter contains the following sections.

∙What is a Xilinx Block?

∙Instantiating Xilinx Blocks Within a Simulink Model

∙The Block Parameters Dialog Box

∙The Nature of Signals in the Xilinx Blockset

∙Use of Xilinx Smart-IP Cores by the System Generator

∙Common Options in Xilinx Block Parameters Dialog Box

What is a Xilinx Block?

The Xilinx Blockset is a Simulink library, accessible from the Simulink library browser. It consists of building blocks that can be instantiated within a Simulink model and, like other Simulink blocksets, blocks can be combined to form subsystems and arbitrary hierarchies. The Xilinx Gateway blocks (from the Xilinx Blockset’s MATLAB I/O library) are used to interface between the Xilinx Blockset fixed point data type and other Simulink blocks.

Every Xilinx Block can be configured using a block parameters dialog box, with few exceptions even during simulation. Many blocks share common parameters, which are described later in this chapter. Most also have parameters specific to the function computed.

The System Generator is able to

generate an FPGA implementation consisting of RTF VHDL and Xilinx Smart-IP™ Cores from a Simulink subsystem built from the Xilinx Blockset. The overall design, including test environment, may consist of arbitrary Simulink blocks. However, the

What is a Xilinx Block?

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Chapter Xilinx Blockset Overview, What is a Xilinx Block?
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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.
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