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FPGA-based modules offer flexible graphics

An Arcobel Embedded Solutions product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 26, 2005

Two new PCI-based mezzanine modules from MEN Mikro Elektronik bring flexibility, long-term availability and temperature independence to graphics solutions.

The new P18 (PC-MIP) and P518 (PMC) PCI-based mezzanine modules from MEN Mikro Elektronik bring flexibility, long-term availability and temperature independence to graphics solutions - whether it be in PMC format or with identical functionality in the smaller and therefore more flexible PC-MIP format.

The basic features of P18 and P518 provide frame-buffer functionality, implemented in 16Mbyte of local SDRAM at 133MHz and a 16/32bit databus.

Both modules have an analogue video output or a DVI digital video output.

An LVDS interface for TFTs is accessible via rear I/O.

The complete set of graphics instructions is run on a Cyclone FPGA, with the FPGA acting as a PCI target (32bit, 33 to 66MHz).

The different display modes are configurable by updating Flash and are active after a system restart.

The graphics clock is supplied by a 48MHz oscillator.

The entire board consumes a maximum of 1W.

Further graphics functions can be integrated into the FPGA depending on the application, for example video compression, bit-blitter, rendering, pattern recognition or 2D/3D algorithms.

Users can even add totally different functions, such as video test pattern generators or digital I/O.

The use of FPGA technology offers not only flexibility with regard to the desired functionality but especially regarding the long-term availability often required for industrial applications.

IP cores are not affected by obsolescence common for standard graphics controllers.

Guaranteed delivery periods of more than 10 years are no longer a problem.

Having the graphics inside the FPGA is also the only alternative for temperature-critical applications that demand an operation temperature of -40 to +85C from the manufacturer.

In PMC or PC-MIP format, the P518 and P18 can be used flexibly as PCI-based extensions for all kinds of system platforms such as VMEbus, CompactPCI, PXI or bus-independent systems.

Their byte-swap logic supports both PowerPC and Intel architectures.

Prices start from Eur 395.