Dynamic matched filtering - animating the action [educational aid]

A Simulink-based block diagram modelling environment is described which makes investigation of demanding DSP concepts such as FIR matched filtering easy and fun. Users interact with the experiment to a remarkable degree, watching scope displays while tuning parameter values or moving sliders to effect model changes during run time in a dynamic fashion. Instrumentation for achieved signal-to-noise ratio sits alongside displays advising the experimenter of theoretically optimal SNR for the current parameter settings. A small example problem using a single-pole noise-shaping filter is seen to be very enlightening, especially since a variable-coefficient matched filter block is employed which is self-designing in response to the prevailing pole radius and resonant frequency selection.