Photon Vision Systems Chooses Xilinx Platform FPGAs For Production Of New CMOS Image Sensor Digital Imaging Modules

SAN JOSE, CA--(INTERNET WIRE)--Apr 10, 2002 -- Xilinx, Inc., (NASDAQ:XLNX) today announced that Photon Vision Systems (PVS), a leading supplier of CMOS Imaging Sensors and Single Chip Camera Systems for OEMs chose Virtex-II(TM) Platform FPGAs for production of the high performance MSLIS-2048 Line Scan Imaging Module, and other high performance imaging products.

The PVS imaging modules provide the commercial, industrial, consumer, spectroscopy, astronomy, x-ray, and scientific markets with a high performance low cost imaging solutions for a variety of applications. The MSLIS-2048 imaging module operates at rates up to 60 MHz with up to12-bit pixel resolution. In its family of imaging modules, PVS utilizes the Xilinx FPGAs to enable JPEG codec functions, automated calibration, as a controller for the CameraLink interface, and for advanced real-time image processing functions. Photon selected the Virtex-II Platform FPGAs because of their embedded block RAM and 18-bit multipliers, which provide capabilities to implement FFT and other DSP functions. Photon capitalized on the Xilinx high-density LVDS solution and especially benefited from the proven silicon, which is available for designs being done both today and in the future.

"The reconfigurable nature of Xilinx FPGAs offer time-to-market and design flexibility we just couldn't achieve with a traditional ASIC or any other programmable logic vendor," said Ken Romano, director of Hardware Engineering of the Imaging Solutions Group at Photon Vision Systems. "The intuitive ISE software allowed us to optimize designs for specific customer solutions. The combination of first class software and state of the art silicon made our decision an easy one."

"Our success with Photon Vision Systems represents our commitment to working together with our customers to achieve results," said Sandeep Vij, vice president of worldwide marketing at Xilinx. "We combined the talents of our field engineering talent with the first class design talent at PVS to find a solution that fit their application requirements throughout development and production."

About the MSLIS-2048 Ultra-High Performance Line Scan Module

The PVS MSLIS-2048 Line Scan Imager Module is a complete line scan OEM solution for applications that require pixel rates of up to 60 MHz. The module utilizes PVS' industry-leading SLIS CMOS Sensor family. It is enclosed in a compact enclosure with a standard C-type lens mount, and provides an industry-standard CameraLink interface. Image Processing tasks are performed by the Xilinx FPGA on the controller board. The FPGA algorithms, in conjunction with an on-board dual 8-bit DAC, perform automatic signal calibration, adjustable exposure and gain, and scan rate control, all of which are selected and activated by the provided PVS GUI software. For more information, visit the PVS website at www.photon-vision.com.

About Xilinx Platform FPGAs

The Virtex-II Platform FPGA family delivers the highest performance and highest density of any programmable logic solution available. The innovative Virtex-II IP-Immersion architecture enables integration of both hard and soft intellectual property (IP), enhanced system memory, and lightning-fast DSP performance, providing the best platform for advanced digital designs in the industry. With densities ranging from 40,000 to 8 million system gates, Virtex-II solutions are empowered by advanced design tools that reduce development time through fast design, powerful synthesis, smart implementation algorithms, and efficient verification capabilities. The Xilinx Platform FPGA solution, including the new Virtex-II Pro(TM) family, are strengthened by strategic alliances with IBM, Wind River Systems, Conexant, The MathWorks, and other technology leaders.

About Xilinx

Xilinx is the leading supplier of complete programmable logic solutions, including advanced integrated circuits, software design tools, predefined system functions delivered as cores, and unparalleled field engineering support. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Xilinx invented the field programmable gate array (FPGA) and fulfills more than half of the world demand for these devices today. Xilinx solutions enable customers to reduce significantly the time required to develop products for the computer, peripheral, telecommunications, networking, industrial control, instrumentation, aerospace, defense, and low-power portable and consumer markets. For more information, visit the Xilinx web site at www.xilinx.com.