Rapid prototyping of multimedia chip sets

We have developed a rapid prototyping environment for multimedia applications. The design environment is based on efficient hardware and software reuse, abstraction, design parameterization, and automation. The design methodology maintains a flexible boundary between hardware and software by eliminating hardware fabrication from the design loop. A reusable hardware/software library for video compression has been developed to support the design methodology. We present a case study involving the design of an H.263-based video decoder. This case study illustrates the efficiency and flexibility of the design methodology