Using 'rapid prototyping' tools to develop complex DSP algorithms

Rapid prototyping is a new approach in advanced digitalsignal-processing development. It allows fast tuning of complex algorithms without spending numerous workdays coding in typical DSP oriented languages, assembler or C/C++ dialects. With the advent of MathWorks' MATLAB Real-Time Workshop (RTW), it is now possible to compile, load, and execute graphically designed MathWorks Simulink models into a real DSP platform. RTW supports many developer starter-kit DSP boards, including the fairly powerful Texas Instruments C6000 series. As described in this paper, we developed a hardware system based on the TMS320C6711 DSK (later replaced by a TMS320C6713 DSK), enclosing it on a chassis along with additional analog circuitry. This system was used to test certain complex procedures for reconstructing audio in damaged, old-movie films that are currently being developed at the Musical & Architectural Acoustic Lab. (FSSG-CNR, Venice, Italy). This method was chosen in order to experiment with the advantages of rapid aided prototyping tools. Some evaluation of preliminary results is given.