A field programmable accelerator for compiled-code applications

Abstract

The paper describes a special purpose application accelerator using field programmable gate arrays to accelerate a range of applications. The accelerator is designed to support applications by allowing the user to implement a processor with an instruction set designed for the specific application being accelerated, using specialized instructions to implement critical fragments of the application. A compiled-code software organization is used to reduce overhead operations. A prototype has been built, and the first application to be ported to it, logic simulation, is underway.<>