Modern FPGAs have evolved beyond just being advanced logic elements. Some models are available as SoC versions, adding a hard CPU core to the package – examples are the powerful ARM CPUs in FPGAs from Intel, Microchip and Xilinx.
We are taking advantage of this combination of FPGA processing power and CPU intelligence in Smart Vision applications like intelligent frame grabbing systems, enabling low-latency access to image data, for example for pattern recognition. Our experience with complete systems ensures that our FPGA designs and the application software for your project are perfectly matched.
While most stand-alone FPGA designs use the established Wishbone bus, we have also developed an AMBA-AXI-based framework for FPGAs with ARM CPUs, enabling ultra-fast communication between the CPU, the FPGA and the DDR memory. Its flexibility makes it a smart choice for rapid application prototyping.
We like the “complete package” approach of FPGAs with SoC capabilities and their low power consumption, as they make them ideal for our high-density board designs whenever PCB surface area and space for cooling elements are scarce. And by using the standard buses like CAN, I²C, SPI and 1-Wire usually offered by the CPU component, we can save FPGA resources for your project’s specific processing and I/O needs.
And even when a hard CPU core is not available, we have years of experience using various types of soft CPUs implemented as FPGA IP cores. This way we can add intelligence to your FPGA without adding more hardware.
