Runtime Reconfiguration Techniques for Efficient Operation of FPGA Based Systems in Real Time Environments

Abstract

Now, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology is rapidly devel
oping, and runtime reconfiguration is being established as a critical capa
bility for real time systems. This article discusses current state of the art 
techniques in implementing efficient runtime reconfiguration within FPGAs 
systems, while still meeting strict real time requirements and minimiz
ing power consumption and resource utilization. However, the ability to 
dynamically reconfigure hardware resources on-the-fly on FPGAs as they 
are applied from automotive control systems to aerospace and telecom
munications, opens up exciting new possibilities as FPGAs are found. Then, 
we explore power implications, pay close attention to innovative methods 
for partial reconfiguration, and discuss building flexible runtime systems 
that can change with changes in application demands. At the end of this 
comprehensive guide, readers will be fully acquainted with state-of-the
art reconfiguration techniques, important design considerations and future 
trends of adaptive FPGA based systems. If you’re an embedded systems en
gineer, FPGA designer, or reconfigurable computing researcher, this article 
will be useful to you in allowing you to take advantage of runtime reconfig
uration in your next project. Understanding of the FPGA Architecture and 
the reconfiguration capabilities.