Xilinx System Generator v2.1 Reference Guide

portion of a Simulink model to be implemented in an FPGA must be built exclusively of Xilinx blocks, with the exception of subsystems denoted as black boxes.

Instantiating Xilinx Blocks within a Simulink Model

Xilinx blocks can be dragged (from the Simulink library browser, or from an expanded sheet showing the blocks in the library) and dropped onto a Simulink model sheet. Double-clicking on a block icon will open its block parameters dialog box and allow customization of that instance of the block. It is also possible to build user libraries of customized blocks and subsystems. Refer to the manual: Using Simulink from The MathWorks.

The Xilinx blocks operate on fixed point data, using an arbitrary precision arithmetic type. The Gateway blocks found in the Xilinx MATLAB I/O library comprise the interface between Xilinx blocks and other Simulink blocks, and enable Xilinx blocks to be freely instantiated within a Simulink model. Of course, the only blocks that System Generator will convert to hardware are those from the Xilinx Blockset.

The Block Parameters Dialog Box

Most Xilinx blocks have parameters that can be configured. The typical block has a dialog box with several common parameters (common to most blocks in the blockset) and some specific parameters (specific to the particular block only). Double-clicking on any block icon on a sheet will open its block parameters dialog box. Details of the use of each block’s parameters dialog can be found elsewhere in this document.

Each parameters dialog contains four buttons: OK, Cancel, Help, and Apply. Apply applies your configuration changes to the block, leaving the box still visible on your screen. Help launches HTML help information for the block. Cancel closes the box without saving any changes, and OK applies your configuration changes and closes the box.

Figure 2-1: Buttons common to each block parameters dialog box

The Nature of Signals in the Xilinx Blockset

The fundamental scalar signal type in Simulink is double precision floating point. In contrast, for bit and cycle true simulation of hardware, System Generator signals are represented in an arbitrary precision fixed point arithmetic type. The Xilinx Gateway In block converts double precision values into fixed point, and the Gateway Out block converts fixed point values back into double precision floating point.

Some blocks produce full precision values by default, which is to say their output signal has sufficient precision to represent the output without rounding error or overflow. Some blocks also support the option of defining the output precision to be a specific arithmetic type (e.g., 16-bit signed data with 8 bits of fraction), with quantization options of rounding or truncation, and with overflow options of saturation or truncation.

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Instantiating Xilinx Blocks within a Simulink Model, Block Parameters Dialog Box
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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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