Natick, MA--MathWorks, a developer of mathematical computing software including MATLAB (a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation) and Simulink (a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design for multidomain dynamic and embedded systems), announced that FLIR Systems (Wilsonville, OR) used MATLAB and HDL (Hardware Description Language) Coder to reduce thermal imaging field-programmable gate array (FPGA) development time from concept to field-testable prototype by 60%. By using MATLAB to design, simulate, and evaluate algorithms, and HDL Coder to rapidly implement the best algorithms on FPGAs, FLIR was able to speed development, complete enhancements in hours instead of weeks, and reuse code for prototyping and production.
MATLAB and HDL Coder lets FLIR's algorithm engineers produce FPGA prototypes themselves instead of handing written specifications to hardware engineers, who may not have full knowledge of the algorithm. This new thermal imaging algorithm development workflow also eliminates the error-prone step of translating algorithms to HDL by hand, adding time for developers to try more design iterations. As a result, FLIR algorithm engineers are able to explore a variety of design variations, gain confidence in the final prototype, and reuse code for production.
"With MATLAB and HDL Coder we are much more responsive to marketplace needs. We now embrace change, because we can take a new idea to a real-time-capable hardware prototype in just a few weeks. There is more joy in engineering, so we've increased job satisfaction as well as customer satisfaction," said Nicholas Hogasten, image processing technology manager, FLIR Systems.
Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2400 people in 15 countries.
SOURCE: MathWorks; www.mathworks.com/company/newsroom/FLIR-Speeds-Thermal-Imaging-FPGA-Development-Through-Automatic-HDL-Generation-From-MATLAB.html
