Improved Approach for Utilization of FPGA Technology into DAQ, DSP, and Computing Applications

The development of data acquisition (DAQ) systems occupies a large amount of effort for almost any particle physics experiment. Unfortunately, the development of custom logic and hardware is generally specific to each experiment. Furthermore, DAQ development does not take full advantage of such advances as higher-performance Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), in part due to the lack of programming tools and a standard set of hardware based on a COTS design. This project will develop a software/hardware co-design approach to reduce both the difficulty and time to implement FPGA solutions to data acquisition and specialized computational applications. The approach will address the two major limitations of FPGAs: the need for excessive programming time and the need for specialized knowledge. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the DAQ application, FPGAs should have application to specialized signal processing, replacing Digital Signal Processors. Once the DAQ and signal processing technologies are proven in demanding nuclear physics applications, other DOE markets would be suitable targets; e.g., the DOE High Energy Physics (HEP) program faces similar needs. At the Department of Defense, the FPGA DAQ/signal processing capabilities could offer superior solutions for problems such as radar and sensor processing.