Project Definition

Minimimum Project Requirements
Project Judging Criteria
Project Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Minimum Project Requirements

  1. Your project must properly decode an MP3 file on your PPC system and play the file on the AC97 codec. Note that you *are* required to decode the MP3 file in real-time.
  2. Your project must properly decode a MPEG-II file and display it on the VGA port of your system. You are *not* required to decode in real time.
  3. Your project must implement a simple web server to receive MP3/mpeg2 files over the network and decode/play the files under web-based control.

Project Judging Criteria


MPEG-2/MP3 Decoding Speed
 20%
Software Code Size
 10%
Audio Quality
 10%
User Interface
 10%
Hardware Circuit Resources
 15%
Network Performance
 15%
Project Novelty/Creativity
 20%

  • MP3 Decoding Speed: The time required to decode a preloaded MP3 file will be measured. This decoding time will not include any network transfer, audio playing, or other I/O services. You should strive to construct your system such that you can decode the MP3 file in real time (i.e. you can decode the file as fast as needed to play the file).
  • Software Code Size: The size of your final software system including the MP3 decoding software, real-time operating system, drivers, etc. will be recorded. You should strive to minimize the software required by your system. The smaller your software footprint, the greater your score.
  • Audio Quality: The audio output of your system will be measured to determine the signal-to-noise ratio. You should try to optimize the quality of your audio system by providing sufficient audio quantization and construct a high-quality analog output. The audio quality test will be described in more detail at a later date.
  • User Interface: As a minimum, you are required to provide a simple web interface to your MP3 player. You are encouraged to create a pleasant, easy to use interface by improving on the web interface. You may want to consider additional custom interfaces that rely on an internet connection to your device.
  • Hardware Circuit Resources: Your system should also carefully use the FPGA hardware. The total number of hardware resources will be recorded for your project. These resources include the number of slices used and the number of block RAMs.
  • Network Performance: The network performance of your project will be measured and recorded. You should strive to maximize the network throughput of your project by using appropriate software and hardware to implement your network interface.
  • Project Novelty/Creativity: You are encouraged to experiment with unique implementation approaches as you build your system. You will be rewarded for especially inovative or creative solutions used in your project.

Project Requirements FAQ