We talked with Imagination Technologies about their suite of processors and development tools at Design West, formerly Embedded Systems Conference. The newest releases include a 4k capable video encoder/decoder, new microprocessors, and many new tools to support developments on the new platforms.

The PowerVR VXD395MP video decoder with support for resolutions up to 4Kx2K has a multicore architecture. This next-generation display technology will become prominent in the high-end displays in the next few years, and will enable realistic super high definition quality, multi-stream HD channel browsing, high frame rate support for detailed slow motion footage of sports events and other content. In addition, the format will enhance the embedded apps, social media, and multiple channel browsing.

When paired with one of Imagination’s PowerVR VXE cores, the faster than real time decoding capability of the PowerVR VXD395MP also enables faster than real time video transcode. For example a VXD395MP2 plus VXE384 video IP platform can convert a 1080P24 H.264 HP movie to a smartphone friendly 480P24 movie at up to 6x real time, while converting a movie from DVD to a smartphone friendly format can be performed as fast as 30x real time. The combination becomes a multi-threaded APU with very high efficiency.

The world is not just video. The ability to connect machines requires that many other functions be available The families of microprocessors are now being mated with wireless communications to build the Internet of things. Tightly integrated Wi-Fi functionality, ready-made baseline and value-added internet services and cloud portal technology will all be brought together as a tightly-integrated turnkey package.

The new MetaFlow Connected Processor IP platforms bring together a high performance 32-bit hardware multi-threaded CPU architecture (with optional 32-bit DSP capability), full 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi capability (extendable to Bluetooth and over 20 other TV and radio communications standards) and Flow cloud and portal technologies all in one IP package. This package of IP allows people to be more creative and includes a reference design, software SDK, and other support.

Another RF system addition is from Orca Radio Systems. They make an open loop frequency synthesizer that enables high performance software-defined radios. One example is a universal TV tuner. The IP performs fast tune, synchronization, and front-end sampling.

To support development, there is a new version of the Codescope debug tool, with performance analysis, full cross-linked debug, statistical profiling, and multiple levels and types of trace. The tools allow developers and the hardware team to access information in each group's preferred formats. Other software tools help with video creation and editing using the features of the PowerVR processors.

Finally, they announced the Hellosoft V.VOIP media engine SDK. This cross-platform SDK is a suite of highly portable software components for high quality video and voice over IP (V.VoIP) media processing. The HelloSoft MediaEngine SDK includes an optimized media engine that not only adjusts for packet losses, packet bursts and rapid bandwidth variations in a wireless environment, but also delivers low power consumption.

The software includes a range of voice enhancement algorithms - such as howling suppressor, equalizers, noise cancellers and automatic gain and volume controls.
The SDK is available for licensing on multiple platforms and operating systems – including iOS, Android, Windows, OSX and Linux. Imagination has corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom, with sales and R&D offices worldwide. See: www.imgtec.com.