Fast Real-Time Decision Processor Using an FPGA Array

76181-This project will develop a cost-effective, programmable signal processor for the triggering of nuclear and high energy physics experiments. Arrays of latest generation Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs) will be configured so as to efficiently solve for real-time vertex location in nuclear and high energy physics experiments. In Phase I, algorithms for vertex determination will be developed for each of the Au-Au, proton-Au, and proton-proton collisions expected at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Processor architecture will be developed to efficiently carry out these algorithms. A prototype will be realized in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The processor should be capable of trillions of operations per second at likely production costs of less than ten thousand dollars and in a space comparable to a shoebox. In addition to applications in nuclear and high energy physics, the technology should contribute to commercial and governmental image processing problems such as synthetic aperture radar and computer tomography.