Altera has announced an innovative technique for increasing the DSP capability of its FPGAs by building fast, flexible multipliers out of on-chip memory. Using a patented technique for creating 'soft' multipliers from Stratix TriMatrix memory structures, the number of high-performance multipliers in a Stratix FPGA can be increased up to 500% it claims.
Soft multipliers are ideal for multichannel applications as well as multiplier- intensive functions common in communications applications such as echo cancellers, equalisers, multi-user detection, and beam forming. "Soft multiplier technology made Stratix FPGAs the best fit for our fixed broadband wireless application," said John Federkins, director of engineering at CoWave Networks. "... we determined that our fast-fourier transform would benefit most from the greater amount of on-board memory and soft multiplier flexibility available with Stratix FPGAs."
Soft multipliers are equal in performance to the existing embedded or 'hard' multipliers provided by on-chip Stratix DSP blocks says Altera. DSP designers can use soft multipliers to augment hard multipliers. The largest Stratix FPGA, the EP1S120, offers 112 18x18 multipliers capable of running at 300 MHz via the DSP blocks. Using soft multipliers increases this quantity to 612, three times the maximum number offered by other FPGA vendors claims the company. In addition, soft multipliers can efficiently implement multiplier sizes that are resource-inefficient in hard multipliers, such as asymmetric multipliers or multipliers that are not easily scaled up from the hard multiplier configuration.
"In addition to fast, true-dual port memory access, Stratix TriMatrix memory blocks now deliver unprecedented multiplier performance, flexibility, and efficiency," noted Justin Cowling, director of Altera's IP marketing. "Soft multipliers provide DSP designers with options and performance levels that are not available with any other DSP device offering, significantly increasing the value of Altera's reconfigurable DSP solution."
For more detailed information on how to use soft multipliers in Stratix FPGAs, readers can download Application Note 246: 'Using soft multipliers with Stratix devices' at www.altera.com/literature/lit-an.html?xy =001_1.
Next-gen robotic systems initiative EBV Electrolink
Design Automation
EBV Elektronik recently introduced MOVE – Driving Robotics Forward, a new initiative designed by EBV Elektronik‘s Embedded Solutions team to support the development of next-generation robotic systems.
Read more...Compact high-current power inductor EBV Electrolink
Passive Components
Vishay’s IHLP series power inductors deliver high current capability in an ultra-low profile, magnetically shielded design.
Read more...RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Highly integrated 24-channel mixed signal IC EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology has announced the LX4580, a 24-channel mixed-signal IC designed to replace multiple discrete components with a single device that supports synchronised data acquisition, fault monitoring, and motor control.
Read more...Touch-enabled 32-bit MCU EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s PIC32CM PL10 microcontroller family expands the company’s Arm Cortex-M0+ portfolio, delivering a compact, low-power 32-bit platform designed for cost-sensitive embedded applications.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version