title: Towards trainable synthesis for optimized circuit deployment on FPGA

authors: Legault, Jean-Philippe

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) utilize multiple programmable elements and non-programmable blocks. After synthesizing an input Hardware Design Language (HDL) design into a circuit, optimizations are used to discover a satisfactory deployment on a target FPGA. HDLs' compound operations, such as addition, can be implemented in various ways and thus, multiple but functionally equivalent circuits can be synthesized. To leverage this, we propose a methodology that first enables configurable synthesis of compound operations. Second, it trains the system using a set of HDL files and architectures to optimize target performance objectives, such as critical path length and power. We prototyped our technique in the open source Verilog-To-Routing (VTR) tool. We subsequently produced two configuration files targeting different deployment objectives; experimental results with the VTR Verilog benchmarks revealed significant improvements.

text: Towards trainable synthesis for optimized circuit deployment on FPGA Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) utilize multiple programmable elements and non-programmable blocks. After synthesizing an input Hardware Design Language (HDL) design into a circuit, optimizations are used to discover a satisfactory deployment on a target FPGA. HDLs' compound operations, such as addition, can be implemented in various ways and thus, multiple but functionally equivalent circuits can be synthesized. To leverage this, we propose a methodology that first enables configurable synthesis of compound operations. Second, it trains the system using a set of HDL files and architectures to optimize target performance objectives, such as critical path length and power. We prototyped our technique in the open source Verilog-To-Routing (VTR) tool. We subsequently produced two configuration files targeting different deployment objectives; experimental results with the VTR Verilog benchmarks revealed significant improvements.

year: 2018

title: Development and Basic Calibration of an Acoustic Vector Network Analyser

authors: MacDonell, Marcus Scott Glengarry

subjects: Vector Network Analysis

abstract: This project aims to develop a method that drastically improves measurement of the acoustic properties of objects. Previously research at the University of Waikato has made progress with acoustic technologies as a precursor to a dual port vector network analyser. These technologies have been furthered to this end by 3D printing a modified coupler that now includes a flange with alignment pins, and a groove to house an O-ring as well as a number of other ``custom'' components for the coupler assembly. This assembly has been interfaced successfully with a VNA and collected data, this process is not straightforward and requires carefully thought-out adjustment to produce sensible data. Complicating this process is the vast difference in propagation speeds for acoustic and electromagnetic signals. The swept measurements performed show promising results that further prove the hardware and indicate that particular calibration terms namely those for isolation that are normally ignored in the electromagnetic domain are potentially crucial in the acoustic domain.

text: Development and Basic Calibration of an Acoustic Vector Network Analyser This project aims to develop a method that drastically improves measurement of the acoustic properties of objects. Previously research at the University of Waikato has made progress with acoustic technologies as a precursor to a dual port vector network analyser. These technologies have been furthered to this end by 3D printing a modified coupler that now includes a flange with alignment pins, and a groove to house an O-ring as well as a number of other ``custom'' components for the coupler assembly. This assembly has been interfaced successfully with a VNA and collected data, this process is not straightforward and requires carefully thought-out adjustment to produce sensible data. Complicating this process is the vast difference in propagation speeds for acoustic and electromagnetic signals. The swept measurements performed show promising results that further prove the hardware and indicate that particular calibration terms namely those for isolation that are normally ignored in the electromagnetic domain are potentially crucial in the acoustic domain.

year: 2017

title: The role of coastal marae in natural hazard response and climate change adaptation

authors: Bailey-Winiata, Akuhata

abstract: Marae are much more than infrastructure. They are spiritual places and community hubs. Marae are often positioned in places that are known to be safe based on mātauranga a whānau/hapū/iwi (often more generally referred to as mātauranga Māori - Māori knowledge), and often near waterbodies including rivers/streams, estuaries, and the ocean. Although there are many advantages to living near waterbodies, such features are prone to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion. The impact of these hazards is being exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise.

Hapū and iwi in the past adapted to the impact of natural hazards, and continue to do so, and are now adapting to climate change through a carefully considered process informed by mātauranga Māori developed through generations of observations. Coastal adaptation is generally categorised into three broad types: 1) Protect, 2) Accommodate and 3) Retreat, and many coastal marae are already adapting across all these responses.

Heading into the future, marae are likely to play an increasingly important role for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are examples of mātauranga in action and will continue to protect and shelter people from hazards and following disasters.

text: The role of coastal marae in natural hazard response and climate change adaptation Marae are much more than infrastructure. They are spiritual places and community hubs. Marae are often positioned in places that are known to be safe based on mātauranga a whānau/hapū/iwi (often more generally referred to as mātauranga Māori - Māori knowledge), and often near waterbodies including rivers/streams, estuaries, and the ocean. Although there are many advantages to living near waterbodies, such features are prone to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion. The impact of these hazards is being exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise.

Hapū and iwi in the past adapted to the impact of natural hazards, and continue to do so, and are now adapting to climate change through a carefully considered process informed by mātauranga Māori developed through generations of observations. Coastal adaptation is generally categorised into three broad types: 1) Protect, 2) Accommodate and 3) Retreat, and many coastal marae are already adapting across all these responses.

Heading into the future, marae are likely to play an increasingly important role for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are examples of mātauranga in action and will continue to protect and shelter people from hazards and following disasters.

year: 2022-11