The document discusses the benefits of using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices for embedded processing. It notes that FPGAs meet key embedded requirements by providing abundant logic, memory, I/O, and high performance at low power and cost. It also describes how FPGA-based soft processor cores with peripheral IP and software support provide a flexible approach for embedded systems. Common uses of FPGAs mentioned include replacing older ASICs, integrating multiple functions, implementing custom interfaces, and adding additional processing power.

1. Benefits of Using FPGA Devices
for Embedded Processing
Learning Zone @
Embedded World 2010
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2. The Next Embedded Revolution
FPGA - a new way to develop embedded
systems
Many FPGA based embedded products
already in the market
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3. Today’s FPGA Devices Meet
Embedded System Requirements
Abundant logic
Substantial embedded memory
Wide range of fast I/O
High-performance
Low Power and Low Cost FPGA
and Custom ASIC families
Soft Processor cores with
peripheral IP and software
support
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4. Key Embedded Requirements
Microprocessor
Interface I/P
High productivity Hardware
development tools
High productivity Software
development tools
Software tools/IP/OS support
embOS
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5. FPGA–Based Soft Processor
Performance - DMIPs
350
300 A Real Processor
Solution!!
250
DMIPS
200
150
100
50
0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2009
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6. FPGA Provides Flexible Approach
CPU CPU CPU CPU
CPU CPU CPU
Control
Control
CPU CPU CPU
CPU CPU CPU Functions
Functions
Functionality is Custom
Custom
supported in most Logic
Logic
Data
Data
appropriate location: IP Modules
Processing
Processing
IP Modules
External CPU
External
External
Peripheral IP
Peripheral IP
Interfaces
Interfaces
FPGA based CPU(s)
FPGA Logic
Re-programmable Hardware
and Nios II processor IP
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7. Accelerating Software in FPGA
Control
Add Custom instruction Nios II
−
DMA
DMA
Ideal for complex operations Custom Accelerator
Instruction
Add hardware accelerator
− Processor & accelerator can run concurrently
− More work per clock
− Lower fMAX, power, cost Arbiter Arbiter
− Ideal for block operations
Program Data Data
2,500 Memory Memory Memory
Iterations/Second
2,000
1,500 530 Times
27 Times Faster
1,000
500
Faster
Accelerate with
0 C2H Compiler
Software Custom Accelerator
Only Instruction
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8. Reducing System Costs - Integration
I/O Flash
CPU
SDRAM
I/O
I/O I/O I/O
DSP
I/O FPGA
CPU DSP CPU CPU
Replace External Devices
with Programmable Logic
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and Altera marks in and outside the U.S.

9. Popular Uses of FPGAs in Embedded
Applications
Replacement of old ASICs
− FPGAs are a popular, cost effective way to replace many older process
technology/obsolete ASICs
Integrated function / flexible device
− Replace multiple digital devices in one FPGA - including the microcontroller!
− Implement application specific functions in high performance logic
Implement device with custom interface requirements
− Use IP to support standard interfaces – mix any type, any number
eg. Ethernet, USB, RS232, PCI, PCI express, CAN,SPI, I2C, etc.
− Custom Interfaces can be coded in HDL to meet any requirement
Add additional processing power with FPGA based Processors
− Off-load new processing tasks to FPGA processor
− Preserves investment in existing software and adds option to expand
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and Altera marks in and outside the U.S.

10. Why your next embedded project might use a
FPGA based processor…
If standard microcontrollers I/O I/O I/O
or processors don’t offer enough… FPGA
− Functionality CUSTOM LOGIC
− System Integration Nios II DSP I/O
− Power/performance ratio
− Product flexibility
− Obsolescence protection
…then FPGA is for you!
Innovate with Nios II & FPGA!
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and Altera marks in and outside the U.S.

11. Thank You
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