High speed video board as a case study for hardware-software co-design

We present experiences with the hardware/software co-design of a high-performance video board using co-synthesis and high-level synthesis tools. Consisting of a multiprocessor DSP, a coprocessor, 4 local memory banks and interface and switching circuits, the board executes one of two professional studio algorithms with very different characteristics. This board could replace a much larger system currently in use. While the CAD tools allowed for a widely automated what-if analysis and were also used for most of the final design. The design process also highlighted some missing links in an optimizing co-design of high-performance systems. These missing links still prevent an efficient hardware/software optimization process. Flexibility requirements played an important role in the design process and had a massive impact on the target architecture, the hardware/software distribution, and the tool application.