RASSP methodology evaluation and lessons learned developing IRST signal processor

The development of a real-time infrared search and track (IRST) processing system served as a real-world test of progress toward the fourfold reduction in cycle time expected at the end of the four-year Rapid Prototyping of Application Specific Signal Processors (RASSP) program. This signal processor development tested the effectiveness of the RASSP methodology and processes and provided critical metrics to evaluate the 4X roadmap. Virtual Prototyping, a VHDL technique for validating hardware and software design before building hardware, makes the RASSP top-down methodology unique. This paper describes the 4X roadmap for cycle time improvement, our experiences with virtual prototyping and important lessons learned for improving the methodology.