FPGA stars in automotive infotainment platform

XA programmable devices give developers optimal architectural flexibility with the ability to determine system partitioning and target multiple end user specifications.

A novel package comprising an automotive FPGA with integrated intellectual property from Xilinx has been included in the Low-Power Intel In-Vehicle Infotainment Reference Design for automotive head units.

The combination of the Xilinx device and Intel Atom processor in the design provides system developers with improved levels of performance, scalability, and flexibility when developing open infotainment platforms.

This collaboration by Xilinx and Intel - and their respective ecosystem suppliers - addresses the growing demand for in-vehicle access to digital information and entertainment on par with what consumers have come to expect in their homes and offices.

As a member of the Intel Embedded and Communications Alliance, Xilinx works with Intel to provide mutual customers with complete, flexible automotive solutions that accelerate system development.

This latest development effort couples the inherent flexibility and built-in connectivity capabilities of XA Spartan-3 generation FPGAs with the high performance, low power processing and surrounding ecosystem of the Intel Atom processor Z530 and Intel System Controller Hub US15W.

The Low-Power Intel IVI Reference Design uses the XA Spartan-3E FPGA-based solution to extend the platform's flexibility and integrate many automotive-specific functions, such as video capture support and MOST network connectivity.

The available solution incorporates multiple functions including SD 2.0 (including SDHC), video frame grabber for camera inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, low pin count interface for BIOS configuration, MOST connectivity with the LogiCore NIC IP for MOST or media local bus supporting an external network controller and Flash memory interface.

These capabilities are geared for embedded systems within the vehicle central console, which typically encompasses navigation, entertainment and Bluetooth wireless connectivity to portable devices.

The XA Spartan-3E FPGAs are delivered as part of Xilinx end-to-end automotive solutions developed in collaboration with multiple leading automotive market members of the Xilinx Alliance programme.

XA solutions integrate the hardware and software components, including preverified Xilinx and third-party application-optimised IP building blocks, required to implement full-featured automotive subsystems that include vehicle networking based on MOST, FlexRay and CAN industry standards.

In addition, XA programmable devices give developers optimal architectural flexibility with the ability to determine system partitioning and target multiple end user specifications.

This contrasts the limitations imposed on product development by the predefined architectures and features of existing application-specific standard part (ASSP) implementations.

According to Nick DiFiore, Senior Manager, Automotive System Architecture and Solutions at Xilinx: "We're pleased to share our automotive industry experience and collaborate with Intel in this high growth sector".

"Together, we bring the compelling advantages of a high performance, low power programmable infrastructure to the development of infotainment systems".

"By building the flexible connectivity of our XA Spartan-3E devices into the ecosystem surrounding the Intel Atom processor, developers are now even better equipped to differentiate their offerings for next-generation applications".

"Intel works with an extensive ecosystem of hardware and software vendors to provide the automotive industry with a range of development and design options", adds Ton Steenman, Vice President, Digital Enterprise Group and General Manager, Low-Power Embedded Products Division.

"The Low-Power Intel IVI Reference Design demonstrates how we can enable our automotive customers to quickly bring solutions to market by working closely with our ecosystem".

"The integration of Xilinx XA FPGAs within the reference design proves how we can deliver a robust development platform with the flexibility and scalability needed to meet the growing complexity of infotainment system requirements".

The XA Spartan-3E FPGA-based companion chip solution for the Low-Power Intel IVI Reference Design will be available in July 2008.

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