Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC empowers ultra-low latency 4K UHD video transmission for next-generation embedded applications. As industries increasingly rely on real-time video processing, the demand for high-quality video delivery with minimal delay continues to grow. Applications such as live broadcasting, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), medical imaging, surveillance, and defense require reliable, high-performance video streaming to enable faster decision-making and enhanced user experiences.
Delivering 4K video at ultra-low latency is a complex challenge that demands powerful processing, efficient video compression, and optimized data transmission. To address these requirements, iWave offers a high-performance solution built on the AMD Zynq™ UltraScale+™ MPSoC platform, combining hardware-accelerated video processing with a compact, feature-rich Single Board Computer (SBC).
A High-Performance Platform for Real-Time Video Applications
The iWave Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC SBC is designed to accelerate demanding video processing applications by integrating advanced processing capabilities with hardware-based H.264/H.265 video encoding and decoding.
Supporting both Single Board Computer and System on Module deployment, the platform provides the flexibility needed for rapid prototyping, product development, and production-ready embedded systems.
Its extensive connectivity options—including 4K HDMI, 12G-SDI, USB 3.0, and dual Gigabit Ethernet—make it suitable for a wide range of high-resolution imaging and video streaming applications.0
Key Hardware Highlights
The platform is powered by AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC devices (ZU2, ZU3, ZU4, and ZU5), combining high-performance processing with programmable logic for compute-intensive workloads.
Key features include:
- Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 processor operating up to 1.5 GHz
- Dual Arm Cortex-R5 real-time processors
- Arm Mali™-400 MP2 graphics processor
- Up to 256K programmable logic cells
- Four high-speed transceivers supporting up to 12.5 Gbps
- 64-bit DDR4 memory for the Processing System
- 32-bit DDR4 memory for Programmable Logic
- 8 GB eMMC Flash
- microSD card support
- M.2 expansion slot supporting mSATA and NVMe SSD storage
- Compact Pico-ITX form factor (100 mm × 72 mm)
The compact design enables high-performance video processing without increasing overall system size.
Hardware-Accelerated Video Compression for Ultra-Low Latency
One of the platform’s key differentiators is the integrated Hardware Video Codec Unit (VCU), which implements H.264 and H.265 encoding and decoding directly within the AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC.
Unlike software-based codecs that consume valuable FPGA resources, the embedded VCU enables simultaneous video compression and decompression for resolutions up to 4K UHD at 60 frames per second, significantly reducing system latency while improving power efficiency.
The hardware implementation also minimizes processor overhead, allowing developers to focus programmable logic resources on application-specific acceleration.
Optimized Connectivity for Video Transmission
Reliable high-speed connectivity is essential for real-time video streaming.
The iWave SBC supports multiple communication interfaces, including:
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet
- USB 3.0
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Support for external 4G and 5G wireless connectivity
- HDMI 2.0 Input and Output
- 12G-SDI Video Input and Output
These interfaces enable efficient transmission and reception of compressed video streams across wired and wireless networks.
Why Hardware Video Codec Units Matter
Many conventional FPGA-based video platforms rely on soft H.264/H.265 encoder and decoder IP cores to achieve low-latency streaming. While functional, these implementations typically require larger FPGA devices with significantly higher logic resources, leading to increased power consumption, larger board sizes, and higher system costs.
The integrated Hardware VCU available in AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC EV devices eliminates these limitations by providing dedicated video processing hardware.
This approach delivers several advantages:
- Lower end-to-end latency
- Reduced FPGA resource utilization
- Lower power consumption
- Smaller system footprint
- Simplified FPGA design
- Improved overall system efficiency
Ultra-Low End-to-End Latency Performance
The Hardware Video Codec Unit significantly improves video processing latency across every stage of the streaming pipeline.
Typical low-latency operation includes:
| Processing Stage | Typical Low Latency |
|---|---|
| Video Capture | ~1 ms |
| Video Encoding | 4–10 ms |
| Video Decoding | ~9–17 ms |
| Display Output | ~16.6 ms |
This optimized pipeline enables near real-time video transmission, making the platform ideal for latency-sensitive applications.
Ideal Applications
The combination of hardware video acceleration, programmable logic, and high-speed interfaces makes the platform suitable for numerous advanced imaging applications.
Typical use cases include:
- Live event broadcasting
- Drone and UAV video transmission
- Medical imaging and remote diagnostics
- Surgical training and education
- Defence and aerospace video systems
- Industrial vision systems
- Smart surveillance
- Computer vision and AI-based image processing
- Test and measurement equipment
Why Choose the AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Platform?
The AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC combines multicore Arm processing with programmable FPGA logic and a dedicated Hardware Video Codec Unit on a single device.
Key advantages include:
- Simultaneous H.264 and H.265 encoding and decoding
- 4K UHD video processing at 60 fps
- Dedicated hardware codec implementation
- Reduced latency compared to software-based codecs
- Lower FPGA resource utilization
- Optimized power efficiency
- Flexible hardware acceleration for custom applications
Accelerate High-Performance Video Processing with iWave
With decades of expertise in embedded computing and FPGA technologies, iWave delivers production-ready hardware platforms that help customers accelerate development while reducing design complexity.
The company offers an extensive portfolio of FPGA-based System on Modules, Single Board Computers, FPGA IP Cores, and engineering services supporting industries such as industrial automation, medical, aerospace, automotive, defence, computer vision, and AI.
Whether developing next-generation video streaming systems, edge AI platforms, or high-speed vision applications, iWave’s FPGA solutions provide the performance, flexibility, and reliability required for demanding embedded applications.
For more information, visit www.iwave-global.com or contact mktg@iwave-global.com
