Two-level pipelined systolic array graphics engine

Abstract

-Simultaneous improvement of interaction speed and image quality of raster graphics systems is an important topic in computer graphics research. Due to huge processing power requirements, realistic shading methods (like Phong shading) have been used only in noninteractive applications whereas less realistic shading methods (like Constant shading) have been used in current interactive applications. A design of a systolic array graphics engine is described which generates high-quality Phong-shaded images in real time. Under the area and speed limitations of the current IC technologies, the required speed is achieved using pipelined functional units. A prototype containing nine processing elements was fabricated in a 1.6-pm CMOS technology.