Programmable Devices
CPLDs, FPGAs, SoC FPGAs, Configuration, and Transceivers
21602 Discussions

Is FPGA the best option for a Lexus type digital dash display?

Altera_Forum
Honored Contributor II
‎05-16-2014 02:46 PM
1,195 Views

Hello, 

 

I am currently making digital gauge displays with 4D Systems EVE graphics chips with VGA output. They are nice and easy to use with the 4DGL coding, but its performance has run its course. With their fastest hardware, an 800x600 sized screen can only do 2.5 fps and there are no options for shading, alpha, or any of that.  

The end goal is to offer performance gauges like the Lexus IS has, shown here "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0zoo9gflzo". It seems like FPGA is the way to go as opposed to using some type of Linux or Windows based hardware, but I'm not sure.  

What would be recommended to accomplish this task? FPGA's have a steep learning curve, so one has to be sure of the direction before taking on such a step. Are there enough IP's available from Altera to accomplish this? Since I do not have thousands and thousands of dollars to spend on 3rd party IP's, other support is important. Thoughts? 

 

Regards
0 Kudos

Link Copied

1 Reply
Altera_Forum
Honored Contributor II
‎05-19-2014 01:10 PM
479 Views

In order to do this with an FPGA you will need some serious hardware acceleration, and I'm not sure you'll find ready-made IP for that kind of application. I think it would be a lot easier for you to go for a software solution instead. These days you can get some cheap ARM boards that have more than enough power to drive such a screen, and lots of ready made libraries.

0 Kudos
Copy link
Reply

Community support is provided Monday to Friday. Other contact methods are available here.

Intel does not verify all solutions, including but not limited to any file transfers that may appear in this community. Accordingly, Intel disclaims all express and implied warranties, including without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement, as well as any warranty arising from course of performance, course of dealing, or usage in trade.

For more complete information about compiler optimizations, see our Optimization Notice.