Reconfigurable Computing: The Theory and Practice of FPGA-Based Computation (Volume 1) (Systems on Silicon, Volume 1)
Reconfigurable Computing marks a revolutionary and hot topic that bridges the gap between the separate worlds of hardware and software design- the key feature of reconfigurable computing is its groundbreaking ability to perform computations in hardware to increase performance while retaining the flexibility of a software solution. Reconfigurable computers serve as affordable, fast, and accurate tools for developing designs ranging from single chip architectures to multi-chip and embedded systems.
Scott Hauck and Andre DeHon have assembled a group of the key experts in the fields of both hardware and software computing to provide an introduction to the entire range of issues relating to reconfigurable computing. FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) act as the "computing vehicles” to implement this powerful technology. Readers will be guided into adopting a completely new way of handling existing design concerns and be able to make use of the vast opportunities possible with reconfigurable logic in this rapidly evolving field.
. Designed for both hardware and software programmers
. Views of reconfigurable programming beyond standard programming languages
. Broad set of case studies demonstrating how to use FPGAs in novel and efficient ways
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a deep, system-level view of reconfigurable computing that ties FPGA architecture to compilation, CAD algorithms, and real applications. It balances theory and practical case studies so you’ll come away able to evaluate trade-offs and map algorithms to FPGA platforms effectively.
Who Will Benefit
Advanced engineers, graduate students, and researchers working on FPGA architecture, mapping/CAD, hardware/software co-design, or high-performance FPGA applications.
Level: Advanced — Prerequisites: Solid digital logic and computer-architecture fundamentals, familiarity with HDL (Verilog/VHDL) and basic FPGA concepts; some programming experience (C/C++) is helpful for HLS/mapping chapters.
Key Takeaways
- Analyze FPGA architectural features and how they affect performance and mapping choices.
- Map algorithms to reconfigurable fabrics using compiler- and CAD-driven techniques.
- Evaluate and apply partial/run-time reconfiguration strategies for dynamic systems.
- Assess trade-offs between hardware, software, and hybrid implementations (HW/SW co-design).
- Apply CAD and place-and-route concepts to optimize area, performance, and interconnect use.
- Adapt FPGA platforms for DSP and other domain-specific applications using case-study patterns.
Topics Covered
- Introduction: What is Reconfigurable Computing?
- FPGA Architectures and Fabric Organization
- Interconnect, Routing and Programmable Switches
- Logic Blocks and Arithmetic Support
- CAD Flows: Synthesis, Placement & Routing for FPGAs
- Mapping and Compilation Techniques for Reconfigurable Systems
- High-Level Synthesis and System-Level Compilation
- Run-Time and Partial Reconfiguration
- Hardware/Software Co-Design and Soft Processors
- Performance, Power, and Reliability Considerations
- Case Studies: DSP, Cryptography, and Embedded Applications
- Platforms, Tool Chains, and Future Directions in Reconfigurable Computing
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Compared with Wayne Wolf's "FPGA-Based System Design" (more applied/embedded system focus), Hauck & DeHon's volume is broader and more research/theory-oriented across architectures and CAD; it's less a hands-on HDL tutorial than vendor guides or FPGA prototyping books.
