Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Direct Programming Tool

The proposed GUI-based direct FPGA programming tool should be able to handle complex mathematics, produce efficient code, and be easy to use. In this effort Toyon proposes to use Matlab synthesis (M-synthesis) for this purpose. As most algorithm developers already use Matlab for modeling and simulation, the language presents a natural point of entry for code that will be translated directly to an FPGA. Most importantly, Matlab provides an extremely capable simulation environment by which to stimulate and post-process simulation data. By providing both fixed point Matlab for debugging and fixed point C/C++ for acceleration of fixed point verification, there is unprecedented flexibility in the process of translating a floating point model to the fixed point numerics required in an FPGA. Further complimenting this flow will be the integration of RTL verification with the same fixed point test vectors. This will all be encapsulated in an easy to use framework that will incorporate Matlab code entry and model-based Simulink integration. Toyon will provide additional support in the form of IP development, processor and external memory interfaces, as well as starter-kits to ease the introduction of this toolflow to Navy personnel.