FLIR Speeds Thermal Imaging FPGA Development Through Automatic HDL Generation From MATLAB

Reduces concept to field-testable prototype development time by 60%

Natick, Mass. - (21 Aug 2012)

Raw image (top) and image after applying filter developed with HDL Coder (bottom).
Raw image (top) and image after applying filter developed with HDL Coder (bottom).

MathWorks today announced that FLIR Systems used MATLAB and HDL Coder to reduce thermal imaging FPGA development time from concept to field-testable prototype by 60%. By using MATLAB to design, simulate, and evaluate algorithms, and HDL Coder to rapidly implement the best algorithms on FPGAs, FLIR was able to speed development, complete enhancements in hours instead of weeks, and reuse code for prototyping and production.

With MATLAB and HDL Coder, FLIR’s algorithm engineers produce FPGA prototypes themselves instead of handing written specifications to hardware engineers, who may not have full knowledge of the algorithm. This new thermal imaging algorithm development workflow also eliminates the error-prone step of translating algorithms to HDL by hand, adding time for developers to try more design iterations. As a result, FLIR algorithm engineers are able to explore a variety of design variations, gain confidence in the final prototype, and reuse code for production.

“With MATLAB and HDL Coder we are much more responsive to marketplace needs. We now embrace change, because we can take a new idea to a real-time-capable hardware prototype in just a few weeks. There is more joy in engineering, so we’ve increased job satisfaction as well as customer satisfaction,” said Nicholas Hogasten, image processing technology manager, FLIR Systems.

“To quickly and accurately develop FPGAs, algorithm engineers need an environment that facilitates iterative design from concept to implementation,” said Sudhir Sharma, HDL technical marketing manager, MathWorks.  “Now, with HDL Coder, these engineers can prototype and verify their MATLAB and Simulink algorithms on FPGAs with the ease of a push button workflow.”

For more details on FLIR Systems’ use of MATLAB and HDL Coder, see the story “FLIR Accelerates Development of Thermal Imaging FPGA.”

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design for multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2400 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. The Company's advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.