Embedded web server for real-time remote control and monitoring of an FPGA-based on-board computer system

Abstract

Many FPGA-based embedded systems in space applications, automobiles, medical and industrial fields use an on-board computer system that needs remote emulation, monitoring, control and update. This paper describes an approach for the development of a real-time remote control and monitoring system using an embedded web server implemented in a MicroBlaze processor based software design, which takes Xilkernel as real-time operating system. We used the open source Lightweight IP (lwIP) standalone TCP/IP protocol stack to implement networking capability. The embedded web server will enable remote access to the on-board computer system by using a web browser for receive the downlink data, send the uplink commands or update the system. The embedded platform was implemented in Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA SP605 Evaluation Kit.