FPGA and ethernet communication

I want to use TCPIP protocol on port 80 to connect fpga kit named ML505 with matlab.

Can i do it???

If yes den how??

I know there are some commands like

echotcpip = start or stop TCP/IP echo server

resolvehost = Network name or network address

tcpip = Create TCPIP object

What is the use of this commands i didnot get the meaning of creating TCPIP object when my object is xilixs FPGA ML505 kit???

Answer 1

[Amy]

You can download a HTTP web server IP core from http://www.webphyfpga.com that transfers data between MATLAB and FPGA using the HTTP protocol and the MATLAB 'urlread' command. Physical Ethernet connection to the FPGA is made via standard LVDS IO and a RJ-45 jack (see photo below).

There's also an online demo that allows you to experiment transferring data over the internet with an actual FPGA running the IP core using the MATLAB code below. To try it, navigate to http://webphyfpga.ddns.net in your browser and log onto the FPGA. In the MATLAB code, set 'fpga_ip' = the resolved IP address (e.g. http://173.76.169.42:8080/) from your browser's URL box. Use the embedded webcam to view the board live as you move the servo motor and illuminate LEDs.

% IP address of FPGA

fpga_ip = "http://173.76.169.42:8080/";

% Write 8 bytes to BRAM address 0x1002 and read them back.

s = urlread (strcat(fpga_ip,'wr_0x1002_0x0123456789ABCDEF'),'post',{'',''});

s = urlread (strcat(fpga_ip,'rd_0x1002_0x8'),'post',{'',''});

fprintf('read 0x%s from FPGA\n',s);

% Move servo motor and write to 7 segment display.

s = urlread (strcat(fpga_ip,'wr_0x0_0x1234'),'post',{'',''});

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

"object" in this context means a MATLAB Object Oriented Programming (OOP) variable of a specific data Class. "object" does not refer to physical objects in this context.

For now, you should just interpret "object" in this context as being a complicated kind of variable that MATLAB knows is associated with a particular TCP/IP connection.

[amey patil]

hey!But i want to physically establish ethernet connection of FPGA kit with matlab .

Can I do that with above all this command.

[Walter Roberson]

It is not possible for a software command to physically establish an ethernet connection. To physically establish an ethernet connection requires physical manipulation -- finding appropriate cables with appropriate ends, plugging them in to the two systems, perhaps needing to add a network switch, which might require a robot or a human to plug in an electrical cable; a robot or human might perhaps have to open the main computer up and install a second ethernet card...

[amey patil]

But if matlab guys are giving us tools for doing physical communication then it is pausible with matlab to make it really happen.I m trying with latest version of MATLAB that is R2011B .Hope that it will allow me to make actual connection with Hardware of my expectation.

[Walter Roberson]

No. The physical connections would already have to be made before MATLAB could be used to transfer data over the connections.

You need

http://www.mathworks.com/help/toolbox/instrument/tcpip.html

Connection = tcpip('192.168.0.2', 80);

fopen(Connection)

After that you would use fwrite(Connection, ...) and fread(Connection, ...)

There is another possibility in your situation: depending on exactly what the server interface is defined as on the FPGA, it could be that you would not use tcpip() and fopen() directly at all, and that you would instead use urlread() or urlwrite() to send commands to the FPGA and get back the response.

Answer 3

[Daniel Shub]

Prior to r2011a (???) MATLAB could only act as a TCPIP client. Now MATLAB can act as both a client and a server. I believe this requires the instrument control toolbox. Are you trying to connect to or from MATLAB? The documentation is pretty good. You should start with:

doc tcpip

[Walter Roberson]

The MATLAB File Exchange contribution "tcpudpip" is able to act as both a client and a server with earlier versions of MATLAB.

Port 80 is HTTP, so likely the FPGA would act as the server, likely making the point moot.