Reconfigurable Computing Applications for Aircraft, Munitions and Dispensers

Specialized digital circuitry in weapon systems can be replaced with general purpose chips, FPGAs, whose circuitry is configured and reconfigured through software. This facilitates continual improvement throughout the lifecycle of the weapon system,reduces the range of spare parts required, reduces parts obsolescensce and improves the long-term supportability of the weapon system. There are many requirements for long term support for high tech systems without having to change microprocessors or othercircuitry that becomes obsolete within a few years of life. With the advent of reconfigurable logic through the use of field programmable gate arrays, funtions of previous and current design microprocessors and support circuitry can be programmed into theFPGA chips. The problem to date has been the ability to cost effectively program the FPGA chips and utilize the reconfigurability of the chips. Star Bridge Systems has solved this problem by developing a software compiler and FPGA program developmenttool which makes complete integration of reconfigurable FPGAs into existing and new logic functions a cost effective reality. This technology is applicable to devices ranging from cell phones to supercomputers.