Xilinx System Generator v2.1 Reference Guide

In the Simulink environment, the Override with Doubles option allows you to simulate the entire design in double precision floating point.

This option is useful in selecting fixed point widths or when debugging. If you detect unacceptable quahtization errors with fixed point signals, you can choose to simulate your entire design, or only specific blocks, using double precision floating point signals and arithmetic operations. This option will help you discover which part of your design is responsible for the unacceptable quantization error.

You may choose Override with Doubles on a particular block. You may also choose this option for an entire sheet or an entire subsystem (the sheet plus underlying hierarchy) by instantiating a System Generator token on the sheet, and choosing Override with Doubles as one of the System Generator block’s configurable parameters.

When the output of one block with Override with Doubles set is connected to the input of another block where the option is also set, data samples are transmitted in double precision.

You can easily identify which blocks are currently set to Override with Doubles. When this option is set, affected Xilinx blocks are displayed in gray rather than the normal blue or yellow.

Sample Period

Data streams are processed at a specific sample rate as they flow through Simulink. Typically, each block detects the input sample rate and produces the correct sample rate on its output. Xilinx blocks Up Sample and Down Sample provide a means to increase or decrease sample rates.

Use Explicit Sample Period

If you select Use Explicit Sample Period rather than the default, you may set the sample period required for all the block outputs. This is useful when implementing features such as feedback loops in your design. In a feedback loop, it is not possible for the System Generator to determine a default sample rate, because the loop makes an input sample rate depend on a yet-to-be-determined output sample rate. System Generator under these circumstances requires you to supply a hint to establish sample periods throughout a loop.

The following image (the Concat block’s parameters dialog box) shows the options with Use Explicit Sample Period selected.

Figure 2-3: Use Explicit Sample Period options (available if selected)

22

Xilinx Development System

Page 22
Image 22
Xilinx V2.1 manual Use Explicit Sample Period

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.