Newsgroups: comp.parallel
From: parallel@netcom.com (B. Mitchell Loebel)
Subject: The PARALLEL Processing Connection - May 13th Meeting Notice
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
Date: Fri, 10 May 1996 06:23:28 +0000 (GMT)
Message-ID: <4mvdck$f84@usenet.srv.cis.pitt.edu>

May 13th - Run-Time Reconfigurable Hardware - A Design Case History

Dynamically reconfigurable SRAM-based FPGAs are the basic building
blocks of custom computing machines (CCMs). The Component Generator
Tool from Atmel is used to develop libraries of modules - programmable
counter/timers, high-speed computational elements (adders,
accumulators, multipliers, registers), etc.  Combinations of these
modules can be loaded into the FPGA based upon different operational
requirements.  Hardware so tailored for algorithms results in higher
system performance across a broader range of applications than can be
realized with fixed hardware.  And, as new modules are being loaded
into one area of the FPGA, the remaining sections continue to operate
undisturbed, i.e. real-time operation and "soft hardware".

Martin Mason and Lee Ferguson of Atmel will describe the architecture
of the partial dynamic reconfiguration Atmel FPGA system and the
design tools that are available.  The techniques used to create
"windowed" bit-streams necessary for partial reconfiguration and
guidelines for practical design implementation will also be discussed.
A FIR filter design for digital audio will provide a case history
backdrop for their presentation and a short demonstration is planned. 

The main meeting starts promptly at 7:30PM at Sun Microsystems at 901
San Antonio Road in Palo Alto. This is just off the southbound San
Antonio exit of 101.  Northbound travelers also exit at San Antonio
and take the overpass to the other side of 101.  A discussion of
member projects currently underway and other issues of interest to
entrepreneurs follows immediately thereafter at 9PM.

Please be prompt; as usual, we expect a large attendance; don't be
left out or left standing. There is a $10 fee for non-members and
members will be admitted free.  Yearly membership fee is $50. 
--
B. Mitchell Loebel                                      parallel@netcom.com
Director - Strategic Alliances and Partnering                  408 732-9869
PARALLEL Processing Connection


Mktg. Director
Minute-Tape International Corporation