Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration in Embedded Systems for Intelligent Environments

Abstract

In this paper we propose to apply the Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration (DPR) technology to embedded systems intended for Intelligent Environments. To reach this goal, we have developed a system based on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in which high performance hardware modules can be reconfigured on-line according to the necessities of the system at each moment. Two different implementations have been carried out to measure the time required to reconfigure each module and also to measure the FPGA resources that can be saved if we keep configured only the modules that are required at each time. The Obtained results show how this technique offers advantages in cost, size and power when applied to embedded systems for intelligent environments.

Hardware Update through Digital TV Signals

“…Like a microprocessor multi-task system, such a feature allows a multiplex of distinct hardware modules to run simultaneously. Thus, functional pre-synthesized hardware blocks (i.e., logical blocks) can be reconfigured or not reconfigured according to the system's needs [34,35]. The associated system architecture is coordinated by a microcontroller device in charge of reconfiguring the pre-synthesized hardware blocks in FPGA devices [36].…”