Embedded World, Nuremberg, Germany: New features in Pentek’s ReadyFlow board support package (BSP) are intended to simplify embedded development for the Cobalt, Xilinx Virtex-6 based FPGA module family. Enhancements include a Command Line Interface that allows the hardware to run out-of-the-box without having to write any code, and a turnkey Signal Analyzer for data display, validation, and monitoring.
ReadyFlow offers Cobalt users an assortment of tools for all stages of application development. Numerous C-callable functions handle initialization and test, data movement, and communications and control of all board resources. In addition, there are utilities such as Flash program memory loaders, and fully tested C-language application examples that demonstrate the capabilities of the modules. Library and example source code is also included.
No Code Generation Or Compiling Needed
The new Command Line Interface of pre-compiled executables is specific to the hardware features of the board it supports. It allows for single-command control of parameters such as the number of enabled channels, clock frequency, data transfer size, etc. The Command Line Interface is callable from within a larger user application in order to configure the hardware. Operating parameters can be dynamically changed while the application is running to address application conditions.
When utilised with the Command Line Interface, the Signal Analyzer allows users to immediately start acquiring and displaying A/D data. Data display is available in both time and frequency domains, and includes built-in measurements for many standard parameters, e.g., second and third harmonics and total harmonic distortion (THD).
In addition, interactive cursors enable users to mark data points and instantly calculate frequency and amplitude of displayed signals.