The MathWorks Introduces Simulink Fixed Point 6 Supports Word Sizes Up to 128 Bits to Facilitate More Accurate

The MathWorks Introduces Simulink Fixed Point 6 Supports Word Sizes Up to 128 Bits to Facilitate More Accurate Design

Simulink Fixed Point 6 provides capabilities for designing and simulating fixed-point systems and generating optimized code for implementation using word sizes up to 128 bits

NATICK, Mass. – (28 Oct 2008) The MathWorks today announced the availability of Simulink Fixed Point 6. A major upgrade within the Simulink product family, Simulink Fixed Point 6 delivers capabilities for designing and simulating fixed-point systems and generating optimized code for implementation, while creating more efficient workflows.

Simulink Fixed Point 6 enables engineers to quickly turn a floating-point design built in Simulink, Stateflow, Embedded MATLAB functions, Signal Processing Blockset, and Video and Image Processing Blockset into a fixed-point design based on input data ranges and target hardware characteristics.

The new version can be used with MathWorks Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder to generate bit-accurate production code from fixed-point models, ensuring the implemented design performs exactly as it did in simulation. Code can be generated for signals and parameters with word sizes from one to 128 bits, accelerating simulation modes and enabling embedded code deployment. Designers can now develop and implement algorithms for modern digital signal processors (DSPs) and microprocessors, which offer large accumulator and integer word sizes for high degrees of numerical range and precision.

“Simulink Fixed Point code generation support for greater than 32 bits is important for customers that need to fully leverage Texas Instruments (TI) DSPs,” says Leon Adams, strategic marketing, TI. “For example, the enhanced fixed-point support now enables full support of the 40-bit accumulator provided by TI TMS320C6000™ DSPs and eliminates wasted bits or model workarounds. This will benefit our customers designing audio, video and communications systems using MathWorks and TI products.”

Additionally, the advisor feature in Simulink Fixed Point 6 moves design from floating- to fixed-point using an automated system conversion approach that creates optimized workflows in shorter time spans. This in turn facilitates more accurate and cost-effective design of high end, mass production components, especially in the signal processing segment.

“Our customers in industries like automotive, communications, and electronics are constantly looking for simulations that exactly replicate real-world behavior as a means to generate reliable results in shorter time frames,” said Tom Erkkinen, embedded applications manager, The MathWorks. “Simulink Fixed Point 6 can now be used as a foundation product to assess and optimize fixed-point behavior based on design ranges and to model implementations accurately.”

Pricing and Availability

Simulink Fixed Point 6 is available immediately for the Microsoft Windows, Solaris, Linux, and Macintosh platforms. U.S. list prices start at $1,000. For further information, please visit the product Web site at: http://www.mathworks.com/products/simfixed/

About The MathWorks

The MathWorks is the world’s leading developer of technical computing and Model-Based Design software for engineers and scientists in industry, government, and education. With an extensive product set based on MATLAB® and Simulink®, The MathWorks provides software and services to solve challenging problems and accelerate innovation in automotive, aerospace, communications, financial services, biotechnology, electronics, instrumentation, process, and other industries.

The MathWorks was founded in 1984 and employs more than 2,000 people worldwide, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.