Enabling embedded software developers to boost performance

Released by Xilinx in March 2015, the SDSoC Development Environment is part of the Xilinx SDx family of development environments. SDSoC is a high level tool that encompasses many other tools, such as a C/C++ toolchain, Vivado HLS, and the Vivado Design Suite. It allows embedded software designers to quickly explore the performance of different hardware architectures.

“The SDSoC Development Environment revolutionises how embedded designs work with custom hardware accelerators by providing a comprehensive development environment in which designers can easily decide which elements of their design are to remain in software and which are to be accelerated in hardware, without having to actually manually implement the hardware.” commented Shaun Purvis, Embedded Specialist and SDSoC Trainer at Hardent.

To help customers understand the challenges that SDSoC solves and leverage the performance and productivity gains offered by the tool, Hardent now provides SDSoC support services and official Xilinx SDSoC training. “As a Xilinx Alliance Member, Hardent had privileged early access to SDSoC,” explained Nick Ni, SDSoC Product Manager at Xilinx. “Hardent has developed an in-depth understanding of the tool’s capabilities and has been invited to speak alongside Xilinx experts at several SDSoC events across North America.” Combining Hardent’s experience in embedded software development, FPGA design and the Vivado Design Suite, SDSoC support services available from Hardent include creating a custom SDSoC platform, tailored Linux images, Vivado HLS optimisations, accelerator performance analysis and customised IP modules.

As the Xilinx Authorized Training Provider (ATP) for Canada, New England and the Southeastern United States, Hardent also offers a one-day ‘Embedded C/C++ SDSoC Development Environment and Methodology’ training course. Taught by certified SDSoC trainers, the course introduces the purpose, underlying structures, and basic functionality of the SDSoC tool, enabling embedded designers to quickly start adding hardware acceleration to a software system.