Out in Front: June 20, 1996

The Math Works has added the Communications Toolbox to the MatLab technical-computing environment. This toolbox works with MatLab V4.2c.1 and the Signal Processing Toolbox to simplify design and analysis of communications systems. The Communications Toolbox provides software functions for communications-specific processes, such as source coding, error-correction coding, modulation, and channel modeling. It also includes application examples, such as a full v.34 modem design. MatLab and the Signal Processing Toolbox provide analysis and simulation capabilities and filter-design functions.

With the Simulink program, the MatLab and toolbox combination allows designers to create communications-system block diagrams using toolbox components as well as custom designs. It then lets designers simulate the design and analyze its performance, all from within the design environment. Once you finish the design, MatLab automatically generates the corresponding C code. Price for the Communications Toolbox starts at $895; a complete MatLab system with Simulink and toolboxes costs approximately $4800.

—by Richard A Quinnell

The Math Works Inc, Natick, MA. (508) 647-7000.