FPGAs for expression level parallel processing

Memory mapped field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be used to add expression level parallel processing to microprocessor-based systems. Multi-operand expressions can be computed in combinational logic eliminating microprocessor computation steps. FPGAs can capture operands as variables are assigned new values, eliminating separate load-stores to pass operands. Expressions can be for computing new values for variable assignment, computing array element addresses, and computing program jump addresses. Most microprocessor-based systems can benefit from expression level parallel processing with as little as a single added FPGA. This paper describes how such a system can be implemented and examines its potential using an image processing example.