MP3 NG a Next Generation Consumer Platform | Xilinx XAPP169 instruction

Application Note: Spartan-II

MP3 NG: A Next Generation Consumer Platform

XAPP169 (v1.0) November 24, 1999	Application Note

Summary

This application note illustrates the use of Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA and an IDT RC32364 RISC controller in a handheld, consumer electronics platform. Specifically the target application is an MP3 audio player with advanced user interface features.

In this application the Spartan device is used to implement the complex system level glue logic required to interface and manage the memory and I/O devices. The RC32364 implements the MP3 decoding functions, the graphical user interface, and various device control functions.

Introduction

While the design is targeted at solving a specific problem, decoding and playing compressed audio streams, it illustrates solutions to a number of general technical issues. These include:

•Supporting a graphical user interface in an embedded system.

•Implementing cost-effective interfaces to LCD displays, touch screens, USB, IRDA, and CompactFlash in an embedded system.

•Error handling when using NAND FLASH memory.

•Controlling SDRAM memory.

MP3 Background

MP3 Market

The MP3 player market emerged in late 1998, when Diamond Multimedia shipped its Rio MP3 audio player. While there is considerable diversity in opinions about the potential size of this market, market analysts all agree that the opportunity is significant and will experience rapid growth in the short term. Like any new market, the feature set of MP3 players is likely to change as more users buy them. Key dynamics in this market include:

•Copy Protection. While the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) promises to make a wider variety of music available in MP3 format, there is considerable technical uncertainty about implementation timetables.

•Non-MP3 Formats. While MP3 is the dominant format for music available on the Internet, other large players are pushing other formats tailored to their business agendas.

•Extended Features. At $150 to $250 an MP3 player is a relatively expensive consumer electronics purchase. The dominant component of that price is the FLASH memory that these devices use. This cost component is more or less the same for all vendors, and constrains price point differentiation. One way to increase the perceived value of an MP3 player, and therefore get a competitive advantage, is to add value added features tailored to the target market.

Due to these market dynamics, including the potential for rapid changes in feature requirements, the best approach is a flexible high-performance system. This flexibility manifests itself in two forms. The first is the use of a high-performance processor, which supports the addition of additional soft features without the need to resort to optimized assembly language. The second is the use of a low-cost, high-density FPGA to provide flexible I/O support for the processor.

XAPP169 (v1.0) November 24, 1999	www.xilinx.com	1
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XAPP169 specifications

Xilinx XAPP169 is a pioneering application note that delves into the design and implementation of high-performance digital signal processing (DSP) systems. It serves as a reference guide for engineers and designers looking to leverage Xilinx Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for sophisticated DSP applications. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques and methodologies necessary to harness the power and flexibility of FPGA technology in DSP design.

One of the main features of XAPP169 is its focus on the integration of various DSP functions, including filtering, modulation, and Fourier transforms. By utilizing the inherent parallelism of FPGAs, designers can achieve significant performance enhancements compared to traditional DSP implementations. This parallel processing capability allows for real-time processing of high-bandwidth signals, making XAPP169 ideal for applications such as telecommunications, aerospace, and medical imaging.

The application note emphasizes the use of Xilinx’s advanced tools and libraries, such as the Xilinx System Generator for DSP and the Xilinx Vivado Design Suite. These tools facilitate the modeling, simulation, and synthesis of DSP algorithms tailored to specific requirements, enabling a rapid development cycle. By providing pre-optimized building blocks and IP cores, XAPP169 streamlines the design process, reducing time-to-market for new products and innovations.

Additionally, XAPP169 highlights the ability to leverage high-speed serial transceivers present in Xilinx FPGAs. These transceivers enable reliable transmission of data across long distances with minimized latency and optimized bandwidth utilization. The application note outlines various techniques for managing signal integrity and maximizing throughput, ensuring that designs can meet the stringent requirements of modern DSP applications.

Another characteristic of XAPP169 is its attention to resource utilization and optimization strategies. The document discusses how to balance performance with area and power consumption, which is crucial in embedded applications where space and power are at a premium. By employing advanced synthesis strategies and leveraging the capabilities of Xilinx’s architecture, designers can create efficient and scalable DSP systems.

In summary, Xilinx XAPP169 serves as an invaluable resource for engineers seeking to harness the capabilities of FPGAs in DSP applications. With its focus on high-performance design, integration of advanced tools, and optimization strategies, it opens up new possibilities for innovation in various fields where digital signal processing is essential.

Xilinx XAPP169 manual MP3 NG a Next Generation Consumer Platform, Summary, Introduction

Models: XAPP169