Ring around the PIG: a parallel GA with only local interactions coupled with a self-reconfigurable hardware platform to implement an O(1) evolutionary cycle for evolvable hardware

The use of GAs (genetic algorithms) in evolvable hardware is reviewed. A case is made for implementing as much of the GA in hardware as possible. The technical difficulties of using a standard GA with an FPGA are described. A new type of GA called a Ringed GA, which features only local interactions among individuals, is introduced. A new type of reconfigurable platform called the PIG is described. The use of the PIG to support local, parallel GA operations is explained. Experiments in evolving digital circuits using a ringed GA on the PIG are described. Conclusions and plans for future work are presented.