Case Study: C-COR achieves 30% faster DSP development with MathWorks (Simulink and Parallel Computing Toolbox)

C-COR Cuts DSP Development Time by 30 Percent Using Simulink and Parallel Computing Toolbox

C-COR, a global provider of network solutions, needed to develop a high-density, low-power QAM modulator that met stringent ITU-T J.83/B standards while minimizing head‑end space and development time. To meet tight timing and achieve "spot‑on" filtering across multiple filter topologies and roll‑offs, C-COR wanted to perform the majority of debugging in simulation rather than iterating in VHDL and hardware. MathWorks tools such as Simulink, Communications System Toolbox, and Signal Processing Toolbox (with Parallel Computing Toolbox) were used to drive this effort.

Using MathWorks software, C-COR implemented a detailed Simulink model, wrote custom S‑functions for fractional resampling, and used Parallel Computing Toolbox’s Job Manager on an eight‑node cluster to run hundreds of parameterized simulations in parallel. The MathWorks-based workflow cut design time by about 30%, reduced lab debug from weeks to days (first FPGA bring‑up in five days), yielded simulation results within 1–2 dB of lab measurements, and produced a 10–15 dB system performance improvement through optimized filters.

C-COR

Jim Failla

Development Engineer