How to perform fixed-point arithmetic on an FPGA?
Performing fixed-point arithmetic on an FPGA is a common technique for achieving efficient and high-performance computations, especially in applications like digital signal processing ( DSP ), image processing, and control systems. Fixed-point arithmetic avoids the complexity and resource usage of floating-point arithmetic while providing sufficient precision for many applications. Here's a step-by-step guide to implementing fixed-point arithmetic on an FPGA: 1. Understand Fixed-Point Representation Fixed-point numbers represent real numbers using a fixed number of integer and fractional bits. The format is typically denoted as Qm.n , where: m : Number of integer bits (including the sign bit for signed numbers). n : Number of fractional bits. For example, a Q8.8 format uses 8 integer bits and 8 fractional bits, with a total of 16 bits. 2. Choose the Fixed-Point Format Determine the range and precision required for your application. Choose the number of integer ...