Abstract: Graph Process Unit(GPU) usually adopts a pipelined architecture, and implements some general computer graphics API. This paper analysed the working principle and architecture of GPU, and proposed an improved practical pipeline structure. Every module of the pipeline was analyzed. I}his paper focused on the parts of lighting and texture mapping which demand intensive calculations, and presented a design method. The design method has been validated with software simulation and applied in the design of a hardware prototype. In addition, this paper also proposed a programmable architecture for lighting and texture calculations based on the results of simulation study.

Key words: Lighting, Texture mapping, Architecture, Pipeline, GPU