Xilinx System Generator v2.1 Reference Guide

Block Parameters Dialog Box

The block parameters dialog box can be invoked by double-clicking the icon in your Simulink model.

Figure 3-66: Threshold block parameters dialog box

The block parameters do not control the output data type because the output is always a signed fixed point integer that is 2 bits long.

All the parameters used by this block are explained in the Common Parameters section of the previous chapter.

The Threshold block does not use a Xilinx LogiCORE.

MATLAB I/O

The MATLAB I/O section includes Xilinx Gateway blocks, the Enabled Subsystem gateway, blocks to report quantization error, and display blocks.

Gateway Blocks

The Xilinx Gateway blocks have several functions:

Convert data from double precision floating point to the System Generator fixed point type and vice versa during Simulink simulation.

Define I/O ports for the top level of the HDL design generated by System Generator. A Gateway In block defines a top level input port, and a Gateway Out block defines a top level output port.

Define testbench stimuli and predicted output files when the System Generator Create Testbench option is selected. In this case, during HDL code generation, Simulink simulation values are logged as logic vectors into a data file for each top level port defined by a Gateway block. An HDL component is inserted in the top level testbench for each top level port which, during HDL simulation, reads the values from the file and compares them to the expected results.

The name specified for the Gateway In or Gateway Out block is passed on as the port name on the top level VHDL entity.

Enabled Subsystems

The System Generator infers clock circuitry in its hardware implementation from the sample periods defined in the Simulink model for the Xilinx blocks. This circuitry includes clock (CLK), clock enable (CE), and clear (CLR) ports on registers and Xilinx

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Gateway Blocks, Enabled Subsystems

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.