ABSTRACT
This chapter is devoted to floating-point number representations, their arithmetic computations and top-level designs using Xilinx System Generator (SysGen) tools. Varieties of design examples are given to illustrate how the system generator tools are integrated into the MATLAB/VHDL environment. Design procedures and methodologies that can be used for different types of designs are explained, and the relevant issues are highlighted. Real number representation, fixed- and floating-point arithmetic operations, hardware co-simulations and system generator implementations are the main modules in this chapter. Representations of different binary number systems such as fixed/floating-point number systems are detailed, and the computations based on them are explained. Representation and computation using single- and double-precision floating-point number systems in the IEEE754 standard is explained. The necessity of customised floating-point number representations and arithmetic operations on them are given, with examples. Numerical and VHDL code design examples for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in the form of different floating-point number systems are explained. The advantages of using the Xilinx SysGen tools and steps to create a digital system using them are given, with several examples. Interfacing of MATLAB and VHDL codes with the Xilinx SysGen blocks are also given, with design examples. Steps that need to be followed in implementing a digital system designed using the SysGen tools are listed. This chapter ends with a reconfigurable architecture design and laboratory exercises.
