FPGA-Implemented Transforms

Typical software implementations of discrete transforms limit their use in embedded real-time applications due to time constraints required for the complex calculations inherent with such transforms. It is the goal of this project to develop the methodologies to implement discrete transform operations using a hardware-based approach. The project will use a Xilinx FPGA as the hardware platform, and will use VHDL to implement the optimized algorithms developed. The algorithms will be optimized for parallel computing as to increase the speed and efficiency as much as possible. Generic functional blocks will be developed which will be combined to perform the complex calculations of discrete transforms. During this process, FPGA gate count will be balanced with the performance of the implemented transforms. The end product will include a functioning embedded discrete transform calculation engine, along with the associated functional blocks. The FPGAs will be used in more complex embedded systems applications that require real-time discrete transform calculations.