A Dynamic Dual Fixed-Point Arithmetic Architecture for FPGAs

Abstract

In FPGA embedded systems, designers usually have to make a compromise between numerical precision and logical resources. Scientific computations in particular, usually require highly accurate calculations and are computing intensive. In this context, a designer is left with the task of implementing several arithmetic cores for parallel processing while supporting high numerical precision with finite logical resources. This paper introduces an arithmetic architecture that uses runtime partial reconfiguration to dynamically adapt its numerical precision, without requiring significant additional logical resources. The paper also quantifies the relationship between reduced logical resources and savings in power consumption, which is particularly important for FPGA implementations. Finally, our results show performance benefits when this approach is compared to alternative static solutions within bounds on the reconfiguration rate.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2011
Source ID
10.1155/2011/518602

Entities

People

  • G. Alonzo Vera
  • James Lyke
  • Marios Pattichis

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • University of New Mexico

Tags

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Parallel and Distributed Computing.
  • Systems Analysis and Design