OFPGA - Optical Field Programmable Gate Arrays


Project Objectives

(i) To theoretically evaluate the effect that the addition of optoelectronics would have on field programmable gate arrays.

(ii) To consider the technologies and applicable to any integration project.


Project Status: Evaluation period from November 1998 to November 2001. This work was consequently funded as POCA.


Optoelectronics in the Reconfigurable Environment

Abstract: A presentation given at the Schloss Dagstuhl seminar on Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures 2000, seminar number 00261.

K. J. Symington, J. F. Snowdon and B. Layet, "Optoelectronics in the Reconfigurable Environment", Seminar Number 00261, Schloss Dagstuhl, June 2000.

Download the talk given in PDF format (7.0MB), the official meeting summary in PDF format (92kB) or a summary of selected talks in PDF format (479kB).


High Bandwidth Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures using Optical Interconnects

Abstract: Optoelectronic interconnects are one means of alleviating the ever growing communications bottlenecks associated with silicon electronics. In chip-to-chip and board-to-board interconnection, the bandwidths presently (if experimentally) available far outstrip what is predicted possible in electronics until into the next decade. Such high bandwidth possibilities demand a rethink of conventional computer architectures where bandwidth is always at a premium. The combination of dynamic reconfiguration in electronics with this new technology may enable a new generation of architectures.

K. J. Symington, J. F. Snowdon and H. Schr�der, "High Bandwidth Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures using Optical Interconnects", 9th International Workshop of FPL '99, Glasgow, UK, Lecture Notes in Computer Science 1673, Springer, pp. 411-416, September 1999.

Download the conference proceedings in PDF format (1.05MB) or the poster presentation in PDF format (1.5MB).


Optically Interconnected DR-FPGAs

Abstract: Dynamically reconfigurable computing could potentially revolutionise the computer industry by providing custom hardware to the end user on demand. This report examines dynamically reconfigurable computing by first considering the evolution of its core component, the FPGA, and classifying various configurations. Limitations in FPGA bandwidths are highlighted and the potential of optics introduced as a solution. Three system adaptations are examined and conclusions drawn.

K. J. Symington, Optically Interconnected DR-FPGAs, Physics Dept., Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, June 1999.

Download the literature search in PDF format (6.1MB).


Last Modified 04/04/03 10:42:01.