FPGA Design with MATLAB HDL Coder
Duration – 5 Day.
Pre-requisites
- Basic knowledge of MATLAB & Simulink
- Digital design fundamentals (combinational & sequential logic)
- Familiarity with FPGA/ASIC concepts
- Understanding of fixed-point arithmetic (basic)
Tools & Platforms
- Software: MATLAB, Simulink, HDL Coder, Fixed-Point Designer, HDL Verifier
- FPGA Toolchains: Xilinx Vivado
- Simulation & Co-Simulation: ModelSim, Questa, FPGA-in-the-loop (FIL)
- Hardware (optional for hands-on deployment): Xilinx FPGA boards
Take away
- Generate synthesizable VHDL/Verilog code from MATLAB functions and Simulink models
- Convert algorithms to fixed-point representation and optimize word lengths
- Create testbenches and perform HDL simulation
- Apply optimization strategies (pipelining, resource sharing, loop unrolling)
- Generate reusable IP cores with AXI interfaces
- Integrate generated HDL into FPGA workflows and perform FPGA-in-the-loop validation
- Debug HDL generation issues and interpret warnings/errors
Day 2: Preparing Models for HDL Code Generation
Topics
- Design guidelines for HDL Coder (MATLAB/Simulink restrictions)
- Supported Simulink blocks
- Pipelining & resource sharing basics
Fixed-Point Design
- Conversion using Fixed-Point Designer
- Best practices for word length & scaling
Testbenches & Simulation
- Automatic testbench generation
- HDL simulation workflow
Hands-On Labs
- MATLAB FIR filter → HDL
- Simulink PWM generator with testbench
Day 3: Optimization & Advanced Features
Topics
- Optimization techniques (loop unrolling, streaming, sharing)
- Speed vs area trade-offs
- HDL block properties (latency, reset, clock enable)
- Distributed pipelining
IP Core Generation
- Creating reusable IP cores
- AXI4/AXI4-Lite interface generation
Hands-On Labs
- Optimize a matrix multiplier in HDL
- Generate an IP core and integrate in FPGA toolflow
Day 4: FPGA/ASIC Integration Workflow
Topics
- HDL Workflow Advisor
- Automating HDL generation & synthesis
- HDL co-simulation (Questa, ModelSim, Vivado)
FPGA Targeting
- Xilinx/Intel FPGA workflow
- Bitstream generation & download
Verification
- HDL testbench workflows
- FPGA-in-the-loop (FIL)
Hands-On Labs
- Simulink → FPGA synthesis end-to-end
- FIL simulation of a filter design
Day 5: Case Studies and Mini Project
Case Studies
- Digital Signal Processing example: FIR/IIR filters, FFT overview
- Control logic example: PWM controller, motor drive basics
Best Practices & Debugging
- Common HDL Coder pitfalls
- How to interpret warnings/errors during code generation
- Tips for simulation vs FPGA deployment
Mini Project Options (any one):
- DSP Project – FIR filter with HDL testbench + FPGA-in-loop validation
- Control Project – PWM-based motor control logic targeting FPGA board
Steps:
- Define algorithm in MATLAB/Simulink
- Convert to fixed-point
- Generate HDL code & testbench
- Optimize for speed/area trade-off
- Deploy to FPGA (if board available)
Additional Notes:
- Daily Q&A Sessions
- Regular Assignments
- Final Assessment
Note: Hands-on training will be conducted during the sessions using the tools listed above, subject to availability.
