What are the basic steps involved in implementing an algorithm using a C-to-FPGA language?
Implementing an algorithm using the high-level compiler involves carrying out a number of steps. The steps begin with creating a functioning implementation of the algorithm and taking this through four steps to adapt the algorithm to create an implementation of the highest possible performance. The following steps apply first and foremost to Nallatech’s compiler, but can be generalized to apply to most high-level compilers: • Conversion from Source Code to ANSI C If the application originates as software routines in a language other than ANSI C, then it must first be converted. Some grammar conversions are therefore necessary. This is a relatively simple step, though it naturally depends on the nature of the source language. Some automated translation tools exist for converting languages, e.g. for converting FORTRAN code into C. • Creating a Software Simulation The subset of ANSI C used in Nallatech’s DIME-C compiler can be executed on a microprocessor at all stages of the application
