Low power is essential for constructing untethered embedded systems that can operate for long periods of time without replenishing their energy supplies. One of the key techniques for achieving such long-lived systems is to turn off system components that are not required for operation. Focus on reconfigurable component and system design Today's embedded systems contain various combinations of different subsystems, such as ASICs, microprocessors, DSPs, and reconfigurable cores. Reconfigurability is added to these systems with either individual FPGA chips or other forms of reconfigurable logic. New embedded systems require a larger amount of flexibility compared to their predecessors.
Markets change very rapidly, demanding embedded system solutions that are easily alterable.
Such solutions are expected to support a variety of applications, changing system requirements and standards, as well as altering operating conditions. We study reconfigurable cores in embedded systems that provide the required adaptability and reconfigurability. Focus on sensor networks architectures Sensor networks are a form of networked embedded computing that will have enormous impact on a wide range of scientific, industrial, healthcare and consumer applications. We can now design and construct networks of small, low-power sensors, each with a wireless communications channel, that can cooperate to collectively monitor environmental conditions in environments of interest. Moreover, these systems will eventually incorporate actuation as well as sensing, thus allowing for more sophisticated control of higher-energy components, as well as eventual remedial actions.