Image Signal Processor

Apical’s range of ISPs represents latest advances in high dynamic range, noise reduction, color management and other technologies.

They are under continuous development to meet evolving market demands and achieve highest possible image quality.

Requirement	ISP capability
Supports 1080P60 as a minimal requirement	Yes, ISP runs at one pixel per ASIC clock in both standard and WDR modes.
WDR Performance	Incorporates world’s best WDR processing to enable control of ISO at pixel level.  AE algorithms take full advantage of WDR processing to maximise detail in shadows, midtones and highlights.
Optimised use of transmission bandwidth	Sophisticated 2D and 3D noise reduction algorithms lead to 70% increase in encoder efficiency.
Ultra-low light performance	ISP can be configured for maximum brightness and lowest noise in conditions down to 0.01 lux.
Accurate image quality	ISP provides true colours, local contrast preservation, maintains textures, reveals shadow detail.
Low power	Full hardware pipeline operating at one pixel per clock. The majority of processing is on-the-fly without access to external memory bus or CPU. High ratio of algorithm complexity to power consumption.
Low cost	ISP is optimised for low silicon area implementation in geometries down to 28nm.

 

Apical employs numerous technologies for creation of both software and hardware components to enable rapid development, verification, customizability and support.

In addition to all standard ISP functions, Apical’s ISPs provide

• Space-variant WDR/HDR processing (“iridix”)
• A wide range of WDR/HDR capture modes for still and video
• Advanced spatial (2D) noise reduction (“sinter”)
• Motion-compensated temporal (3D) noise reduction (“temper”)
• Pixel-by-pixel digital ISO control
• Auto Exposure for single or multiple exposure sensors
• Advanced Auto White Balance and color processing
• Auto Focus
• Lens shading correction via multiple algorithms
• Digital Image Stabilization
• 3D capture support

We use a unique and powerful system for building ISP firmware which yields high performance and is readily customized to different end use applications.

We support image quality tuning via a suite of calibration and control applications.

 

The ISP comprises a full hardware pixel pipeline capable of high pixel throughput at low power, together with camera control firmware incorporating 3A algorithms.

The IP core is proven in production silicon to 40nm.

Hardware pipe	Firmware package	Image Quality Assessment and Calibration tools	Support
High performance image processor with advanced functionality, low power and high pixel throughput.	Full camera control firmware including advanced modes for AE, AWB and AF.Sensor support program via relationships with all major sensor vendors.	PC calibration for sensor noise profilling, colour calibration and lens shading calibration.Complete set of image quality metrics sensor by sensor (Imatest).	Full and proven support through all stages from initial RTL through SoC verification to firmware support and module tuning.

Apical supports production cameras based on Altera Cyclone and Xilinx Spartan devices.

Apical has partnered with Altera to deliver a complete product-ready package for camera makers wishing to use the Apical ISP with specific sensors.

A complete reference design is provided on the Altera EP3C120 Development kit.

 

 

 

 

 

See Altera for more information.