In this blog we will discuss about Overview of reconfigurable hardware in embedded systems. In the recent years, the use and implementation of the embedded systems have expanded worldwide. One can see such systems in a variety of sensor networks, digital cameras, and medical devices, mechanical and electronic devices as well. Embedded product development is a serious challenge to the developers to add a reconfigurable feature in these devices.
With a dare to minimize the cost, size and increase the functionality of the product embedded product designers are working very hard in this field. The Reconfigurable hardware helps in providing an elastic and competent stage in improving the performance and power need of such embedded systems.
Why We Use Reconfigurable Hardware in Embedded Systems?
Reconfigurable Hardware is the devices which are configurable even post fabrication. In these devices, the functionality of the logic gates can be easily customized, and the connections of the logic gates are also changeable. They work to enhance the functions of the embedded system and provide a chance to reprogram it.
This hardware acts as a hardware accelerator and helps to implement different computations across the application. While embedded application testing this hardware play a major role and provides the atmosphere to change the configuration according to need. They focus on less power consumption which improves the battery life, reduces cost and also increases the reliability of the embedded system.
Moreover, with the flexibility of the reconfigurable hardware, it enhances the error tolerance of the embedded system and can be further reconfigured to pass up the hardware errors. Regardless of the faults in the system whether hardware or software it has the potential to run the normal operations.
Applications Benefited from Reconfigurable Hardware
Reconfigurable hardware increases the capacity of the embedded system to get configured number of times. It, therefore, enhances the functionality and increases the battery life because of less power usage.
Medical Imaging
Reconfigurable Hardware in medical embedded systems is highly proposed these days. They detect the abnormalities in the human body, find tumors and scan the human body for further treatment. This system incorporates active reconfiguration for setup, recognitions, and self-diagnosing modes.
Networking
Reconfigurable Hardware is popularly used in the networking process. They work to provide high performance and have to operate parallel workloads. They are dynamically used in network devices which help in running the tasks like routing protocols, packet classification, and moreover intrusion detection system.
Automotive Sector
The Automotive industry has increased the use of Reconfigurable Hardware in their systems. This indeed has increased the operational performance of the mechanical parts and reduced the repair costs of the products. Being reprogrammable they are highly effective in automobiles.
Photography and Video Making
Photographers of the 20th century demand high-performance cameras for better and lively pictures. With the help of Reconfigurable Hardware, digital cameras can perform various images processing operation in less time and moreover saving the battery for long usage.
Spacecraft
Different space programs like Mars Pathfinder and the surveyor has used applications and equipment incorporated with Reconfigurable Hardware. They were implemented because of their lower costs, smaller size and higher performance and flexibility to reconfigure. They are easily reprogrammed according to the updated mission goals and also fix the design errors without the need of repairs. With the ability of error tolerance, they are very helpful in space applications.
