Codesign for Real-Time Video Applications

This text describes a modern design approach for embedded systems. It combines the design of hardware, software, and algorithms. Traditionally, these design domains are treated separately to reduce the design complexity. Advanced design tools support a codesign of the different domains which opens an opportunity for exploiting synergetic effects. The design approach is illustrated by the design of a video compression system. It is integrated into the video card of a PC. A VLIW processor architecture is used as the basis of the compression system and popular video compression algorithms (MPEG, JPEG, H.261) are analyzed. A complete top-down design flow is presented and the design tools for each of the design steps are explained. The tools are integrated into an HTML-based design framework. The resulting design data can be directly integrated into the WWW. This is a crucial aspect for supporting distributed design groups. The design data can be directly documented and cross-referencing in an almost arbitrary way is supported. This provides a platform for information sharing among the different design domains.
The book focuses on the multi-disciplinary aspects of embedded system design. It combines design automation and advanced processor design with an important application domain. A quantitative design approach is emphasized which focuses the design time on the most crucial components. Thus enabling a fast and cost efficient design methodology.