Signal and Image Processing development platform.

Tools like System Generator (SysGen) from Xilinx reduce the gap between the DSP and the hardware designers. SysGen allows the user to simulate a system using Simulink environment and perform hardware in the loop verification. In the context of laboratory sessions for an undergraduated signal and image processing class, it is also desirable to have and real hardware system up and running at clock speed.

In order to do that, a development platform, consisting of hardware (development board), IP cores and software need to be developed, such that the transition from a design/simulation environment to a production-kind of environment becomes painless for the student.

Such a platform will provide an embedded system ready project, to process 1-D, 2-D and 3-D signals. It will also provide interfaces for a core developed using Sysgen, to be connected to either an OPB or a PLB bus of a PPC405 system. Such interfaces need to provide support for the different services available, according to the requirements of the signal being processed.

Software drivers and control programs need to be developed to allow the student to quickly develop a customized application for the type of signal being processed.

The platform, will be available to download free of charge. The project is being developed under the FPGA Mission Assurance Center (FMAC) initiative.

CPLD integration on the Lobot Jr.

NASA Pursue lab developed a new version of Lobot Jr. using CPLDs from Xilinx to improve its performance and design. Take a look at its site!!:

Some links:

Pusue-Nasa, Lobot Jr.