In the architecture design exploration stage, a critical step is the porting of customer algorithms to FPGA. This process ensures that the algorithms can be implemented effectively in hardware, allowing for thorough testing and validation before moving forward with the IC design. Our comprehensive approach includes the following detailed steps:

High-Level Language to Hardware Description Language (HDL)

1. Understanding the Algorithm:

Initial Consultation:

We begin by collaborating closely with the customer to thoroughly understand their high-level language algorithms, typically written in languages such as C, C++, or Python. This step involves detailed discussions to grasp the functional requirements and performance goals of the algorithm.

2.Algorithm Optimization

Performance Analysis:

We analyze the algorithm to identify any potential bottlenecks or areas for optimization. This might involve restructuring certain parts of the code to better suit hardware implementation.

Parallelism and Pipelining:

Techniques such as parallelism and pipelining are employed to optimize the algorithm for hardware execution, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance.

3. Conversion to Register-Transfer Level (RTL):

Translation to Verilog:

Our experts then translate the optimized high-level algorithms into a hardware description language (HDL), specifically Verilog. This involves converting the algorithm’s logic into a Register-Transfer Level (RTL) abstraction, which describes the flow of data between registers and the logical operations performed on that data.

RTL Coding:

The translated RTL code is meticulously written to ensure it accurately reflects the intended functionality and performance characteristics of the original algorithm.

4. Simulation and Verification:

Functional Simulation:

We perform extensive functional simulations of the Verilog code to verify that the translated algorithm behaves as expected. This step is crucial to ensure that the HDL representation is a faithful and efficient implementation of the original high-level algorithm.

Iterative Refinement:

Based on the simulation results, we iterate on the RTL design, making necessary adjustments to address any discrepancies or performance issues.

5. FPGA Implementation:

Synthesis:

The verified RTL code is synthesized into a gate-level netlist suitable for FPGA implementation. This step converts the abstract RTL design into a concrete set of logic gates and interconnections that can be implemented on an FPGA.

Place and Route:

We then perform place and route operations to map the synthesized netlist onto the FPGA’s physical resources, ensuring optimal placement and routing to meet performance and area constraints.

FPGA Programming and Testing:

The final bitstream is generated and loaded onto the FPGA for testing. We conduct comprehensive testing on the FPGA to validate the algorithm’s performance and functionality in a real-world hardware environment.

6. Feedback and Optimization:

Customer Feedback:

Throughout the process, we maintain close communication with the customer, providing updates and incorporating their feedback to ensure the final implementation meets their expectations.

Final Optimization:

Based on testing results and customer feedback, further optimizations are made to fine-tune the design for improved performance, power efficiency, and resource utilization.

By converting high-level algorithms into optimized Verilog code at the RTL level, we enable customers to validate their designs on FPGA before proceeding to the subsequent stages of IC design. This thorough and iterative approach ensures that the final IC design will be both robust and efficient, meeting the customer’s requirements and performance targets.

Our expertise in algorithm porting to FPGA is a vital component of our one-stop IC design service. By meticulously translating high-level algorithms into Verilog, optimizing for hardware execution, and validating on FPGA, we provide a robust foundation for successful IC design and implementation.

For further inquiries or to schedule a consultation, please contact our sales team at [email protected]