Modern RF systems demand high-speed waveform generation, multi-channel data acquisition, and real-time signal processing. Traditionally, these requirements have been addressed using complex multi-board architectures combined with extensive low-level HDL development, resulting in longer development cycles and increased system complexity.
iWave Global addresses these challenges by integrating high-speed ADCs, DACs, FPGA fabric, and embedded processors into a single platform based on the AMD Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC family. This level of integration significantly reduces hardware complexity while enabling high-performance RF signal processing in a compact, production-ready System on Module (SoM).
To further streamline development, iWave has enabled and validated a model-based design workflow using MATLAB and Simulink from MathWorks. This approach allows engineers to move seamlessly from algorithm design to system simulation, hardware implementation, and real-time validation within a unified environment.
Model-Based RF Development on iWave RFSoC
The MATLAB and Simulink environment provides a unified framework for designing and implementing RF systems. Engineers can develop algorithms, simulate system behavior, and generate hardware-ready designs using a single model.
iWave has validated this workflow on its Zynq UltraScale+ ZU47DR RFSoC System on Module by implementing the standard transmit and receive tone reference design. The top-level Simulink model maps directly to the target hardware, enabling both FPGA-based signal processing and processor-based control functions to be deployed efficiently.
The RF Data Converter block plays a key role by linking ADC and DAC signal paths, enabling full system-level simulation along with seamless transition to hardware implementation. This ensures that designs developed in simulation can be deployed with minimal configuration effort.
Figure: MATLAB Example Top Model
Simulation to Hardware Deployment
One of the key advantages of this approach is the ability to validate the complete RF signal chain before hardware deployment. With the target hardware configured as the iWave RFSoC platform, the design is first simulated in Simulink. This enables verification of:
- PS and PL interaction
- RF Data Converter (RFDC) data paths
- Address mapping and processor tasks
Figure: iWave’s RFSoC Development Kit with MATLAB showing spectrum analyzer and scope output plots to validate DAC transmission and ADC capture on hardware.
Once validated, the design is automatically translated into hardware using integrated toolchains. HDL code is generated using HDL Coder, followed by automatic creation and implementation of a complete design in the AMD Vivado Design Suite.
The generated bitstream is then deployed onto the hardware platform via Ethernet, completing the transition from simulation to physical implementation.
Real-Time Validation and Testing
After deployment, the design is validated in real time using Simulink External Mode. This enables live RF-ADC data to be streamed directly into Simulink scope blocks, allowing engineers to observe system behavior under real operating conditions. This real-time validation ensures that simulation results closely match hardware performance, significantly reducing debugging effort and improving confidence in system behavior.
By enabling continuous interaction between simulation and hardware, the workflow supports rapid iteration and efficient optimization of RF designs.
Demo: MATLAB-Based RFSoC Validation in Action
To demonstrate the practical implementation of the model-based design and validation workflow, iWave Global has developed a live demo showcasing the complete MATLAB and Simulink-based RFSoC validation flow.
This demo highlights how engineers can move seamlessly from simulation to hardware deployment and real-time validation using iWave’s RFSoC System on Module.
Watch the full demo video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_gIJe5HJhg
Advantages of iWave RFSoC System on Modules for MATLAB-Based Design
The iWave RFSoC System on Module provides an ideal platform for model-based RF development by combining high-performance hardware with a streamlined development workflow.
Key advantages include:
- Direct RF Signal Integration – Integrated high-speed ADCs and DACs eliminate the need for external data converters, simplifying system architecture.
- Deterministic High-Performance Processing – FPGA-based processing ensures low latency and high-throughput performance for complex RF workloads.
- Seamless Design Flow – Unified MATLAB and Simulink environment enables end-to-end development from algorithm design to deployment.
- Reduced Development Time – Automated HDL generation and hardware integration accelerate time-to-market for RF solutions.
The integration of MATLAB and Simulink with iWave RFSoC platforms enables a powerful model-based design methodology for RF system development. By bridging the gap between simulation and hardware implementation, this approach significantly reduces design complexity while improving development efficiency.
With its combination of high-performance hardware and a streamlined development workflow, iWave empowers engineers to rapidly develop and deploy advanced RF systems across applications such as wireless communication, SDR, radar, test and measurement, and aerospace.
iWave Global is a leading provider of embedded computing solutions specializing in System on Modules, FPGA platforms, and ODM services. With deep expertise in high-performance and RF systems, iWave enables customers to accelerate product development and time to market.
For more information, please write to mktg@iwave-global.com
