Impulse C-to-FPGA compiler combines with video processing development hardware to reduce development time for high-throughput HD video filtering
System engineers have an increasing need for hardware-accelerated image processing, and are turning to FPGAs to achieve performance and time-to-market goals. FPGAs offer better processing/power efficiency for video applications than traditional processors or DSPs, and have the ability to consolidate entire systems on one device.
With Impulse software-to-hardware tools and a turnkey development kit, video system designers are able to rapidly validate their concepts and develop next-generation products. The new Impulse Video Processor Developer's Kit, Impulse model number CSWIN-XIVID-KIT-300, features a Xilinx(R) XtremeDSP Video Starter Kit, based on a Spartan(TM)-3A Edition development board, and the Impulse CoDeveloper(TM) C-to-FPGA tools. Users of this kit are able to develop complex object recognition, video format conversion and high-definition video filtering algorithms with little or no prior FPGA knowledge.
The Impulse CoDeveloper tool flow includes C-language FPGA reference examples, C-to-hardware tools and libraries. Additional development tools and examples are provided by Xilinx for this kit, including the Xilinx Platform Studio(TM) and System Generator(TM) software as well as high-definition video reference examples. Pre-optimized video processing libraries are available options. The provided examples include an object recognition template that identifies and highlights a target based on specific color patterns, as well as a video de-interlacer and color format conversion filter.
"The Impulse CoDeveloper tools and libraries can be used to quickly create and test video image filters using C programming methods," said Ralph Bodenner, Impulse VP of Product Development. "The combined Impulse and Xilinx tools make it much easier to create and test complete video processing applications, with little or no need to write low-level hardware descriptions."
Integration with Xilinx tools allows the generated FPGA hardware to be imported directly into Xilinx Platform Studio for system generation. The Impulse tools include automatic C-to-FPGA hardware generation and interactive optimization features, and are fully compatible with standard C development tools such as GCC and Microsoft Visual Studio(R). Applications for the Impulse Video Processing Developer's Kit include display processing as well as automotive infotainment and safety, home security and machine vision.
Ready-to-run reference applications provided with the kit include streaming, real-time HD filtering and object recognition, at multiple video resolutions. Kits based on Xilinx Virtex(TM)-5 Series FPGA devices are also available.
About Impulse
Impulse provides software-to-FPGA solutions for embedded and high performance computing. Impulse solutions are used to accelerate the development and deployment of high-throughput video applications in domains that include defense, aerospace, automotive and consumer electronics.
For more information, visit http://www.ImpulseC.com or call 425-605-9543, extension 101.
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