The silicon DSP architecture of the FPGA can make a big difference when implementing complex signal-processing algorithms. Altera’s Stratix V FPGAs, with the variable-precision DSP block architecture, are the only programmable devices that efficiently support many different precision levels, including floating-point implementations. Also, with a 64-bit cascade bus and accumulator, the designer does not have to sacrifice precision when the algorithm implementation requires multiple DSP blocks.

Author: Suhel Dhanani, Sr. Manager, Digital Signal Processing, Altera Corporation

Mr. Dhanani is responsible for DSP product marketing. He has over 15 years of industry experience in semiconductors, and has completed a graduate certificate in Management Science from Stanford University and holds MSEE and MBA degrees from Arizona State University.