Ewins, Jon P.L.Watten, PhilWhite, MartinMcNeill, Michael D. J.Lister, Paul F.A. Kaufmann and W. Strasser and S. Molnar and B.-O. Schneider2014-02-062014-02-0619970-89791-961-01727-3471https://doi.org/10.2312/EGGH/EGGH97/103-109The design of a hardware architecture for a computer graphics pipeline requires a thorough understanding of the algorithms involved at each stage, and the implications these algorithms have on the organisation of the pipeline architecture. The choice of algorithm, the flow of pixel data through the pipeline, and bit width precision issues are crucial decisions in the design of new hardware accelerators. Making these decisions correctly requires intensive investigation and experimentation. The use of hardware description languages such as VHDL, allow for sound top down design methodologies, but their effectiveness in such experimental work is limited. This paper discusses the use of software tools as an aid to hardware development and presents applications that demonstrate the possibilities of this approach and the benefits that can be attained from an integrated codesign design environment.D.3.2 [Programming Languages] Language ClassificationsObject Oriented Programming1.3.1 [Computer Graphics]Hardware ArchitectureGraphics Processors1.3.3 [Computer Graphics]Picture/Image GenerationDisplay Algorithms.