Mapping a real-time video algorithm to a context-switched FPGA

This paper describes the implementation of a real-time video algorithm on a context-switched FPGA. The FPGA is based on the Xilinx XC4000E FPGA, and includes extensions for dealing with state saving and forwarding and for increased routing demand due to time-multiplexing the hardware. The algorithm makes use of special features of this architecture to achieve high utilization of the silicon at run time. Two configuration planes are programmed as distributed RAM and two planes perform replications of the calculation in parallel. The interplay between the CLB architecture, communication between configuration planes, context-switching overhead, and the end-user application are examined as we map the algorithm onto this architecture.