H.264 IP Core H264-REF H.264 Encoding Reference Design System

On this page: Description | Applications | Features | Block Diagram | Functional Description | Support | Verification | Deliverables

This H.264 Reference Design System integrates multiple IP cores with memory and software on a system prototyping board to enable off-the-shelf execution and evaluation of high-definition video compression.

The H.264 encoder, memory controller, and interface cores are implemented in an FPGA on a commercial board that has onboard RAM. The board connects to a Windows host PC via a PCI Express interface. Raw video is fed to the board through a virtual RAM drive, compressed, and passed back to the PC for storage and viewing.

The system can process up to 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

Custom software provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy setting of H.264 compression parameters. It also manages video streaming, driver access, hardware control, and multitasking.

Applications

The Reference Design provides a turnkey solution for engineers needing to study and investigate H.264 video compression, develop and analyze an H.264 proof of concept capability, or evaluate hardware H.264 compression using their own video material. The system can also serve as a platform giving designers a head start on developing their own H.264 systems.

Features

• Provides a complete, ready-to-use hardware/software package for H.264 evaluation, proof of concept, or product development quick start.
• Processes up to 1080p video (1920 x 1080 pixel fames) at up to 30 fps.
• Enables easy evaluation of and experimentation with H.264 video encoding using one’s own images and video.
• Provides a fast PCI Express interface to host computer (MS Windows 7, Vista, and XP).

• Integrates multiple CAST IP cores:
• H264-E H.264/AVS SD & HD Video Encoder Core
• DDR2-SDRAM-CTRL DDR/DDR2 SDRAM Memory Controller Core (if required)
• CPXP-EP PCI Express Endpoint Controller Core
• CMMI-H264-E CAST Multimedia Interface for H.264 Core
• Built on commercial prototyping boards with Altera or Xilinx FPGAs:
• Altera Stratix IV GX FPGA Development Kit
• with Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA for IP
• Includes additional hardware as required:
• PCIe PHY Daughter Board
• PCIe Cable with ExpressCard Adapter
• FPGA Configuration Module (e.g., System ACE™)
• Includes essential software:
• MS Windows Kernel-Mode Driver
• GUI Control and Streaming Software
• RAM Drive virtual disk utility to achieve input transfer rate sufficient for reading uncompressed HD video

   

Block Diagram

Functional Description

The H264-REF system includes a number of IP cores and custom software modules as depicted in the block diagram. Key elements are described here.

PCI Express Host Interface

The reference system relies on a host computer first to transfer a raw video stream to the system and then to receive, store, and display the compressed video output. PCI Express handles the necessary high transfer rate. The CAST PCIe Controller Core is included in the system, as is a hardware PHY, physical connector, and cable with an ExpressCard adapter for use with a laptop. (Some versions connect via an internal PCIe slot instead.) An included Application Interface module (PCIe-AIF) interfaces the controller core with the internal bus (AMBA AHB). A Scatter-Gather extension (PXP-AIFSG) with a large memory buffer maximizes the efficiency of DMA data transfers between the AHB and PCI Express buses.

FPGA and Memory

The included IP cores and software fit within Altera Stratix IV and Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGAs, which are included with their respective boards. Commercial tools are used for FPGA programming. The H.264 Encoder Core requires high-speed external memory: a DDR2 or DDR3 Controller Core is implemented in the FPGA, and suitable physical memory is included with the board.

Driver, Control, and GUI Software

The system includes a custom kernel-mode driver for MS Windows 7, Vista, and  XP. A custom GUI control and streaming application handles output streaming, driver access, hardware control, and multitasking (see figure).

Three parallel threads ensure smooth video streaming: one manages the raw video data write to the hardware encoder, one reads the encoded stream from the hardware, and the third handles the correct video streaming.

Support

The system as delivered is warranted against defects for ninety days from purchase. Thirty days of phone and email technical support are included, starting with the first interaction. Additional maintenance and support options are available.

Verification

The system has been verified through simulation, code coverage measurements, and multiple live demonstrations.

Deliverables

The H264-REF is available with soft cores (synthesizable HDL) or firm cores (netlists) for FPGA technologies, and includes everything required for successful implementation.:

• HDL (VHDL or Verilog) RTL source code or netlist
• Synthesis scripts
• Place & route scripts
• MS Windows Kernel-Mode driver
• GUI Control and Streaming software
• Hardware as appropriate (board, PCIe PHY, PCIe cable with ExpressCard Adapter, System ACE)
• Comprehensive user documentation for the system and for each core, including detailed specifications, a system integration guide, and a demo guide

On this page: Description | Applications | Features | Block Diagram | Functional Description | Support | Verification | Deliverables

Download PDF datasheets for more info: ASIC

  Some cores in this system were developed by developed by experts at Alma Technologies S.A.