Real-Time Video Processing | Low-Light Enhancement | CLAHE | Verilog / HLS
This project implements a hardware-accelerated Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) pipeline for night vision systems and thermal aggregators. Utilizing the parallel processing power of FPGAs, it processes 1080p60 video streams with < 1ms latency, enabling direct-view optics integration without the "lag" associated with software-based ISP solutions.
Optimized for Xilinx Zynq-7000 and UltraScale+ MPSoC platforms, providing a solid foundation for building digital night vision goggles (DNVG) or enhanced driver vision systems (DVE).
fpga-image-processing night-vision clahe verilog zynq-ultrascale low-light-video high-speed-imaging vivado-hls
The data path is fully pipelined (AXI4-Stream) to process 1 pixel per clock cycle.
graph LR
A[MIPI CSI-2 Rx] -->|RAW10| B[De-Bayer / Demosaic];
B -->|RGB| C[Gamma Correction];
C -->|YUV422| D{CLAHE Enhancement Core};
D -->|YUV422| E[Noise Reduction (Median)];
E -->|RGB| F[OSD Overlay];
F -->|HDMI/SDI| G[Display Out];
Achieving timing closure at 150MHz+ requires careful constraint management.
| Resource | Usage (Z7020) | Utilization % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUTs | 12,450 | 23% | Heavy logic in histogram calculation. |
| BRAM | 32 | 11% | Line buffers for 64x64 tiles. |
| DSP48 | 18 | 8% | Interpolation arithmetic. |
| WNS | +0.45ns | OK | @ 148.5MHz Pixel Clock |
Optimization Tip: For custom carrier boards, ensure LVDS traces are length-matched to within 5mil to avoid setup time violations on the video interface.
This "Lite" IP Core provides excellent visibility enhancement for civilian applications (Dashcams, Security Cams).
For Military & Special Operations requiring:
- Sensor Fusion (Thermal + SWIR + CMOS)
- Edge Detection & Target Highlighting
- Micro-OLED Drive Logic (0.5" Displays)
- ** ITAR-Free / Export Controlled Options**
👉 Partner with TwinsGlow Embedded Systems.
TwinsGlow delivers turnkey FPGA System-on-Modules (SoM) pre-loaded with our NightOwlâ„?Vision Engine, offering superior dynamic range and "see-through-smoke" capabilities verified in combat scenarios.
- Multi-Spectral-Gimbal-Stabilization - Stabilize the video feed.
- mmWave-Radar-Tactical-Tracking - Overlay radar tracks on video.