High-Performance Image Processing on FPGAs

The rapid evolution of digital imaging technology, accompanied by huge market demand for cameras and displays in both consumer and industrial segments, presents a significant challenge to device developers who want to create high-quality products. To extract the best possibleimages from capture and display hardware, sophisticated image processing algorithms are available. But their implementation is limited by several factors: the intrinsic complexity of the algorithms; the pressure to reduce bill of materials costs; the need to support a wide variety of developing formats; and the frequent requirement to customize particular device environments. The development and licensing ofimage-processing IP is central to Apical’s business. If the design of a new IP core is hindered by difficulties in coding and verifying RTL, or if a customer has no straightforward way to evaluate and implement the IP in their products, then the initial enthusiasm of an exciting research result rapidly evaporates.