A Web-based Multiuser Operating System for Reconfigurable Computing
Date
1999
Authors
Diessel, O.F.
Kearney, D.A.
Wigley, G.B.
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Journal article
Citation
Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 1999; 1586:579-587
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Abstract
Traditional reconfigurable computing platforms are designed to be used by a single user at a time, and are acknowledged to be difficult to design applications for. These factors limit the usefulness of such machines in education, where one might want to share such a machine and initially hide some of the technical difficulties so as to explore issues of greater value. We have developed a multitasking operating system to share our SPACE.2 coprocessing board among up to 8 simultaneous users. A suite of pre-configured tasks and a web based client allows novices to run reconfigurable computing applications. As users develop a knowledge of the FPGA design process they are able to make use of a more advanced PC client to build and upload their own designs. The development aims to increase access to the machine and generate interest in the further study of reconfigurable Computing. We report on the design, our experience to date, and directions for further development.