Reconfigurable and Evolvable Hardware Fabric

In this work, we are developing a novel reconfigurable multiprocessor architecture, environment and tools for autonomous onboard processing in space platforms. Among the important features of our method are: reconfigurability and processor adaptability for high rate wireless functions; usage of system-on-chip (SOC) technology to embed hardware modules and reconfigurable blocks; integration of real-time Operating system kernels on the SOC, low-power, quality of service, and performance. Our approach employs a multiprocessor architecture of two basic layers, the adaptation software manager and the reconfigurable hardware fabric. The adaptation manager captures real time inputs from sensors and decides what reconfiguration, if any, needs to be performed and then sends this information to the hardware fabric which performs dynamic reconfiguration. The adaptation manager also involves a software learning process to correct adaptation and reconfiguration decisions. We employ middle level configuration granularity for rapid or dynamic reconfiguration implementing mission critical functions such as signal and imaging functions. Some preliminary results are discussed. 1. Technology Approach