PADReH - a framework for the design and implementation of dynamically and partially reconfigurable systems

Abstract

Dynamically and partially reconfigurable systems (DRS) are those where any portion of the hardware behavior can be altered at application execution time. These systems have the potential to provide hardware with flexibility similar to that of software, while leading to better performance and smaller system size. However, the widespread acceptance of DRSs depends on adequate support to design and implement them. This work proposes a framework for DRS design and implementation named PADReH. The approach is compared to other propositions available in the literature. The first steps of the framework implementation are described, involving methods and tools to control the hardware reconfiguration process and the generation of partial bitstreams. The main contribution of the work is to provide means to systematically reduce the lack of support currently hampering the adoption of DRSs as a mainstream technology.