Finding the execution time

[a_Conan]

Hi, Suppose I have written algorithm in VHDL. This algorithm has
sequential statements before the final result appeared.
My question: can I calculate the time need on microsecond from the
first input until the last output? Like in Matlab we use "tic" in first
line and "toc" in the last line? i.e. how can I find the execution time
for my algorithm?
Thank you.

 

[Nicolas Matringe]

Hi, Suppose I have written algorithm in VHDL. This algorithm has
sequential statements before the final result appeared.
My question: can I calculate the time need on microsecond from the
first input until the last output? Like in Matlab we use "tic" in first
line and "toc" in the last line? i.e. how can I find the execution time
for my algorithm?

This depends on your clock frequency but from your question I think
that your algorithm is purely combinational (combinatorial?). Thus the
'execution' time will depend on your hardware implementation (ASIC?
FPGA?)
Post your code and we might help you further.

Nicolas

 

[a_Conan]

Hi Nicolas, yes my algorithm depends to multiple calculations separated
in functions and procedures such as:
..
..
..
for i in 1 to M loop--start from the second row
for k in 0 to (N - i) loop
Matrix_out(i, k) := Matrix_in(i, i + k);
end loop;
for k in 0 to (i - 1) loop
Matrix_out(i, N - k) := Matrix_in(i, i - k - 1);
end loop;
end loop;
..
..
..

every function can call others as need.
suppose my clock frequency is 50MHz. so how can I find the exe-time.
I will use FPGA.

 

[Nicolas Matringe]

This is quite a big arithmetic block...
Functions and procedure are to be used with great care in synthesizable
code (especially procedures).
If you don't have any synchronous process, your max speed will depend
on the FPGA (brand & family) but anyway it may well be very slow.
Again, post your code and we may be able to help you further.
Remember that VHDL is definitely *not* a programming language. Always
think hardware.

Nicolas

 

[a_Conan]

Do you think I can do it like this:
..
..
T1 := NOW
function1 :=( N1 , N2)
function2 :=( N1 , N2)
function3 :=( N1 , N2)
T2 := NOW - T1;
..
..

 

[patrick.melet]

Stop thinking software !!!

Your two loops with 2 dimensions vector cannot be synthesizable !!

I think you better use a RAM and make transfert inside the RAM...

Are you just doing simulation or you want to implant it in a FPGA

 

[patrick.melet]

Stop thinking software !!!

Your two loops with 2 dimensions vector cannot be synthesizable !!

I think you better use a RAM and make transfert inside the RAM...

Are you just doing simulation or you want to implant it in a FPGA

 

[a_Conan]

Sorry patrick, do you mean I cannot synthesize the upper code on my
FPGA?
Are you sure?

 

[a_Conan]

Ok, Patric can you tell me how can I do
for i in 1 to M loop--start from the second row
for k in 0 to (N - i) loop
Matrix_out(i, k) := Matrix_in(i, i + k);
end loop;
for k in 0 to (i - 1) loop
Matrix_out(i, N - k) := Matrix_in(i, i - k - 1);
end loop;
end loop;

in RAM to make it synthesizable ?

Thanks

 

[Ralf Hildebrandt]

Ok, Patric can you tell me how can I do
for i in 1 to M loop--start from the second row
for k in 0 to (N - i) loop
Matrix_out(i, k) := Matrix_in(i, i + k);
end loop;
for k in 0 to (i - 1) loop
Matrix_out(i, N - k) := Matrix_in(i, i - k - 1);
end loop;
end loop;

in RAM to make it synthesizable ?

1st of all: Get knowledge about flipflops, combinational logic and
latches. Make yourself familiar with the concept of a state machine -
especially a synthesizable state machine in VHDL.

2nd: Think about a data path, on which such an algorithm may be
implemented. You need a state machine and inside some states you connect
some blocks (registers, arithmetic units...) together. Everything
step-by-step, controlled by a state machine.


VHDL may be used like a programming language, but only for simulation
purpose. If you want to model real hardware you have to think hardware.

Ralf

 

[a_Conan]

Ok Ralf , I tried to use a type like:

type Matrix is array (0 to M, 0 to N) of unsigned (7 downto 0);

I have background about combinational logic, because I am a
computereEngineer. but I have started with VHDL before 3 weeks ago.
please give the correct way to define
type Matrix is array (0 to M, 0 to N) of unsigned (7 downto 0);
in VHDL

Best regards,

 

[vizziee]

Ok, Patric can you tell me how can I do
for i in 1 to M loop--start from the second row
for k in 0 to (N - i) loop
Matrix_out(i, k) := Matrix_in(i, i + k);
end loop;
for k in 0 to (i - 1) loop
Matrix_out(i, N - k) := Matrix_in(i, i - k - 1);
end loop;
end loop;

You should, as everyone has replied, try to model this code for
hardware. Here are some pointers on how you can model the above code
for hardware.
As I understand perhaps your output matrix is a shofted version of your
input matrix.
(1) So, first create a RAM to store your input matrix .
(2) Then, make two counters (You have two cases for k!), the output of
which you should connect to the address of the RAM.
(3) Before this, a multiplexer should check the vaues of k and select
one of the two addresses depending on the value of k.
(4) The output of RAM may be stored (if required) in another RAM.

----------This is just a very crass model of your code. Some refinement
can lead to exact solution.

 

[Ralf Hildebrandt]

Ok Ralf , I tried to use a type like:

type Matrix is array (0 to M, 0 to N) of unsigned (7 downto 0);

Uhmmm ... well ... just a definition a 3D array. This alone does not
make hardware. It is the same as "my car has 4 wheels" - nothing more.

What you need is something, that says: "get one element out of the
array, move it to register X, do something with it and store it in
register Y" - just like "open the car-door, get in, plug the key..."

Remember, that multi-dimensional arrays may not be supported by your
synthesis tool - but you may break this down later.

I have background about combinational logic, because I am a
computereEngineer.

As a computer engineer you should be familiar with the idea of
sequential logic, too. O.k. - a lot of software programs are
sequentially, because instructions are executed step-by-step, but the
idea of a state machine exists in software engineering, too!

For hardware description sequential logic and especially state machines
are nessecary, because with only comb. logic you can't do a lot.

but I have started with VHDL before 3 weeks ago.

Did you read a book about HDL modelling during this time? I do not talk
about a book, that tells you the synthax of VHDL or the BNF of it, but a
book, that makes you familiar with flipflops, latches, counters, state
machines and so on.
For me "HDL chip design" from Doone Publications was very helpful.


Ralf

 

[a_Conan]

I will try my best Thanks for all...