Design Kit Accelerates DSP Development with Virtex-5 FPGAs

www.vmetro.com/article4038-3682.html.

A team effort, VMETRO and Impulse Accelerated Technologies unveil the V5+C DSP development kit for prototyping and algorithm development for the Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA. The kit includes the latest-generation Impulse C-to-VHDL compiler tools and a VMETRO PMC module based on the Virtex-5. The kit addresses software application developers who may be less familiar with low-level VHDL design methods, allowing them to easily move ANSI C algorithms to an FPGA-accelerated platform. The Impulse C compiler automatically analyzes, optimizes, and translates the original C code to run in parallel on an FPGA, resulting in an FPGA design that reportedly outperforms most DSPs or processors. The PMC-FPGA05 PMC module with an XC5VLX110 FPGA provides customizable digital front-panel I/O. Price for the kit is $9,995. VMETRO INC., Houston, TX. (281) 584-0728. (See figure)
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Impulse C Compiler
As mentioned, this compiler automatically analyzes, optimizes and translates original C code to run in parallel on an FPGA to take advantage of the inherent parallel capabilities of FPGA devices. Using the Impulse tools in combination with Xilinx FPGA devices, users can expect to achieve 10X acceleration over their existing microprocessor-based solutions. And when compared to traditional methods of hardware design, this approach can cut weeks or even months off development time.

Key Component:
The PMC-FPGA05 is an FPGA-based Xilinx Virtex-5 XC5VLX110 platform PMC module with high-speed digital I/O and PCI-X interface to the host computer. The PMC-FPGA05 is aimed at embedded application development.

MODULE COMPONENTS:

1. Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA
2. Digital I/O
3. Memory
4. Flash
5. Software

For a complete description of these components, visit: http://www. vmetro.com/category1440.html.