Reconfigurable Computing

Tanner Research proposes to develop a powerful and flexible reconfigurable computer and deliver a completely functional prototype by the end of Phase I. Because it will have a modular architecture, our reconfigurable computer will be significantly more cost-effective than traditional reconfigurable computers. Because of technological advances that have increased the logic density on a silicon chip, reconfigurable computers are better suited than custom ASICs for a wide range of applications. For example, unlike an ASIC, a reconfigurable computer can be easily and quickly modified from a remote location to upgrade its performance or even to perform a completely different function; hence, its non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs are reduced. Our modular architecture will further minimize NRE costs because it allows such costs to be amortized over an even larger domain of systems. In addition, upgrading a reconfigurable computer is easier and more reliable than upgrading an ASIC, because reconfigurable computer upgrades can be more easily developed, verified, and implemented. Because of our expertise developing reconfigurable computers, we will be able to deliver a complete prototype of the hardware in Phase I. In Phase II, we will refine the hardware design and develop a software development environment to further increase cost effectiveness.