Today's video and imaging processing involves developing complex computer algorithms that enable systems to capture and display information and high-resolution images. Designers of these types of systems require high-performance computing, memory and connectivity resources to achieve high-resolution imaging with rich, vivid detail. Because they can perform thousands of tasks in parallel to maximize data throughput, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are excellent platforms for these applications. Offering rich memory and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) resources, as well as 50 percent lower power consumption than competing SRAM-based devices, Microchip’s award-winning PolarFire FPGAs are ideal for use in mid-bandwidth (4K/2K) imaging/video applications.

Providing you with the hardware and software you need to implement 4K resolution designs targeting PolarFire FPGAs, Microchip’s new PolarFire FPGA imaging and video solution was developed to address the many challenges of developing smart embedded vision systems. This imaging and video solution is a complete ecosystem that includes comprehensive application-specific hardware, optimized intellectual property suite for image processing, sample reference designs, demonstration designs and collateral. The video and imaging kit can be used for the high-performance evaluation of 4K image processing and rendering using dual-camera sensors suitable for designing demonstrations for video stitching, static and dynamic object insertion, as well as real depth estimation based on disparity maps. The modular intellectual property suite enables you to develop a prototype and accelerate your time to market.

The kit also includes industry-standard imaging interfaces bolstered by 4 GB on-chip Double Data Rate fourth-generation (DDR4) for frame buffering and 1 GB Flash memory for user configuration. It offers bidirectional Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) as a sensor interface and the choice of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Display Serial Interface (DSI) for display and Serial Digital Interface (SDI) for broadcast-grade video. You can also use it to evaluate reference designs for Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and edge detection with configurable resolution and image signal parameters.

To save costs, time and effort, the PolarFire FPGA imaging and video solution can be leveraged for use in multiple projects. This flexible development platform can be used for many applications including surveillance and Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, automotive and other untethered/mobile use cases, machine vision/medical, smart home and others in the industrial, aerospace/aviation and defense markets.

The PolarFire imaging and video kit includes dedicated hardware to enable evaluation of multiple imaging and video protocols on PolarFire FPGAs. The development kit (MPF300-VIDEO-KIT), optimized intellectual property suite, sample reference designs, demonstration designs and collateral are also included as part of the solution's complete ecosystem. The kit includes a free one-year gold license to the Libero® SoC Design Suite, Microchip's comprehensive development tool.

To take advantage of this one-stop solution for evaluating multiple imaging protocols and developing high-resolution image and video processing applications in thermal, power and space constrained environments, visit the Smart Embedded Vision page on the Microsemi website or contact [email protected].