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RBC High Performance Raster-to-Block Converter Core

On this page: Description | Implementation Results | Features | Applications | Deliverables

Digital image acquisition devices, both static and video, produce image samples on a line-by-line/pixel-by-pixel basis; a scheme well known as raster scan. On the other hand many image processing-transform algorithms work on a block-by-block basis. Typical image processing examples of this kind include types of the N x M image processing filter matrices such as smoothing filters, edge detection filters, noise reduction filters etc.

In the image transform context a well known example is the 2D-Discrete cosine transform (2D-DCT), especially the 8x8 block 2D-DCT, found among others in the MPEG video compression and in JPEG image compression. Streaming applications and applications that cannot afford a full frame buffer but still wish to use such a block-by-block based algorithm face the need of on-the-fly conversion from raster scan pixels to blocks. Our RBC Raster-to-Block converter core is designed to be the perfect standalone and on-the-fly conversion solution for the JPEG image compression algorithm. Its use can be extended also to other applications that need to work on rectangle pixel blocks.

The RBC is a microcode-free design developed for reuse in ASIC and FPGA implementations. The design is strictly synchronous with positive-edge clocking, no internal tri-states and a synchronous reset; therefore scan insertion is straightforward.

See representative implementation results (each in a new pop-up window):

Features

• Raster scan to JPEG MCU block order
• Full streaming support
• Supported component sampling factors
  • 4:4:4
  • 4:2:2
  • 4:1:1 (horizontal)
  • 4:4:4:4 (CMYK)
  • 1:0:0 (grayscale)
• 8 bit sample precision
• Padding
• Sustained per cycle operation
• Does not insert extra idle cycles and compensates host stalls – perfect for video encoders
• High throughput – over 100 MSamples on FPGA platforms
• Standalone operation
• Fully stallable interfaces
• Low power standby mode – global synchronous register enable
• Hardware proven

Applications

• Image compression applications using JPEG compression algorithm
• Digital Camcorders
• Digital Cameras
• Surveillance systems
• Scanners

Deliverables

The core is available in ASIC (synthesizable HDL) and FPGA (netlist) forms, and includes everything required for successful implementation:

• HDL RTL source code (ASICs) or post-synthesis EDIF netlist (FPGAs)
• Sophisticated self-checking Testbench (Verilog versions use Verilog 2001) including external FIFOs, buffers, models of interfaces, and the core
• Simulation script, vectors, expected results, and comparison utility
• Synthesis script (ASICs) or place and route script (FPGAs)
• Comprehensive user documentation, including detailed specifications and a system integration guide

On this page: Description | Implementation Results | Features | Applications | Deliverables

Download PDF datasheets for more info: ASIC | Xilinx

  This core developed by the multimedia experts at Alma Technologies S.A.