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The MathWorks Introduces Fixed-Point Toolbox 2

New Version Streamlines Floating-to-Fixed-Point Conversion and Accelerates Execution of Fixed-Point Algorithms in MATLAB


Fixed Point Toolbox press release image

Fixed-Point Toolbox streamlines Floating-to-Fixed-Point Conversion.

NATICK, Mass. - (16 Apr 2007)

The MathWorks today announced the release of Fixed-Point Toolbox 2, which provides enhanced floating-to-fixed-point conversion capabilities and accelerated fixed-point MATLAB® algorithms that execute at compiled C-code speed. As a result, design engineers now have a cohesive workflow for optimizing and verifying embedded algorithms entirely within MATLAB, which speeds up design iterations and eliminates translation errors.

Most embedded signal processing and control systems require fixed-point algorithms for implementation on digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). A major challenge that embedded system designers face is maintaining the correct behavior of an algorithm when converting it from floating-point to fixed-point representation. Fixed-Point Toolbox provides tools for data logging and data-type override that streamline the conversion process and ensure consistent algorithm behavior in both representations. A new accelerated simulation mode in the toolbox increases the execution speed of fixed-point MATLAB algorithms by factors of up to a thousand.

“Fixed-point development usually involves managing a design expressed in several different languages, such as MATLAB, C, assembly, and HDL. This is a time-consuming and error-prone process,” said Dr. Houman Zarrinkoub, technical marketing manager at The MathWorks. “Now, with the new version of Fixed-Point Toolbox, The MathWorks introduces a complete workflow that equips engineers with efficient tools to perform design validation and tradeoff analysis on fixed-point algorithms in MATLAB.”

Fixed-Point Toolbox also facilitates the use of fixed-point MATLAB algorithms within Simulink® for system simulation, system verification, and automatic generation of embeddable C code. Because the algorithms have the same fixed-point representation across MATLAB and Simulink, design engineers can complete their designs in a single environment.

Pricing and Availability

Fixed-Point Toolbox is available immediately for the Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh platforms. U.S. list prices start at $1,000.

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2,000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Press Contacts

Len Dieterle
MathWorks
Tel: (508) 647-4404
Fax: (508) 647-7001
E-mail: len.dieterle@mathworks.com
Sean Audet
Text 100
Tel: (617) 723-1044
E-mail: mathworks@text100.com
Web: www.text100.com

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