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: Matters of trust, privacy and security: An examination of the technical, legal and social principles and values of encryption

authors: Dizon, Michael

abstract: Encryption is a complex, multifaceted and enigmatic technology. From a technical standpoint, encryption underpins the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of computer data and information systems. At the same time, from the perspective of law and society, its use can hinder the ability of governments to investigate and prosecute crimes and protect national security and public safety. The conflict between information security and privacy on one side and national security and law enforcement on the other has been debated since the so-called Crypto Wars in the United States in the 1990s and the issues seem intractable. Is there a way to balance or reconcile these competing principles and values?

In this workshop (which will be given at the IEEE TrustCom 2019 in Rotorua, New Zealand, from 5-8 August 2019), we will present the results of our research on the principles and values of encryption in New Zealand. In our presentation, we will summarise the key technical principles and rules that underlie encryption. We will then relate this to the legal rules that apply to encryption. There is a common belief that, aside from export control rules, encryption is not subject to regulation. Based on our research, we found that encryption is in fact already regulated by various laws. We will discuss what these laws are and how they impact the development, implementation and use of encryption. Finally, we will discuss how people in New Zealand prioritise and understand the fundamental principles and values of encryption (most especially trust) and how these can be reflected in any proposed encryption laws and policies.

text: Matters of trust, privacy and security: An examination of the technical, legal and social principles and values of encryption Encryption is a complex, multifaceted and enigmatic technology. From a technical standpoint, encryption underpins the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of computer data and information systems. At the same time, from the perspective of law and society, its use can hinder the ability of governments to investigate and prosecute crimes and protect national security and public safety. The conflict between information security and privacy on one side and national security and law enforcement on the other has been debated since the so-called Crypto Wars in the United States in the 1990s and the issues seem intractable. Is there a way to balance or reconcile these competing principles and values?

In this workshop (which will be given at the IEEE TrustCom 2019 in Rotorua, New Zealand, from 5-8 August 2019), we will present the results of our research on the principles and values of encryption in New Zealand. In our presentation, we will summarise the key technical principles and rules that underlie encryption. We will then relate this to the legal rules that apply to encryption. There is a common belief that, aside from export control rules, encryption is not subject to regulation. Based on our research, we found that encryption is in fact already regulated by various laws. We will discuss what these laws are and how they impact the development, implementation and use of encryption. Finally, we will discuss how people in New Zealand prioritise and understand the fundamental principles and values of encryption (most especially trust) and how these can be reflected in any proposed encryption laws and policies.

year: 2019

title: Memento Mori : Memento Maori – moko and memory

authors: Te Awekotuku, Ngahuia

subjects: tangi

abstract: Moko patterns, mau moko, “wearing ink” is often explained as an act of remembrance, a symbol of honour or success, of grieving or loss. Memento mori, remembering the dead and remembrance of death, pervades the Maori world, and is profoundly expressed in customary practice – haehae, upoko tuhi, and ta moko. These embodied and visceral experiences are described in waiata tangi, in whai korero, in moteatea, in the traditional context, and graphically recorded on the living flesh in our contemporary world. Mau moko celebrates identity, so modern memorial ornamentation mourns and reflects on this in ‘memento mori’; and also reinforces and engages reality in the correspondent notion of ‘memento Maori’; an assertion that claims dominion and understanding across generations, across time, across space.

text: Memento Mori : Memento Maori – moko and memory Moko patterns, mau moko, “wearing ink” is often explained as an act of remembrance, a symbol of honour or success, of grieving or loss. Memento mori, remembering the dead and remembrance of death, pervades the Maori world, and is profoundly expressed in customary practice – haehae, upoko tuhi, and ta moko. These embodied and visceral experiences are described in waiata tangi, in whai korero, in moteatea, in the traditional context, and graphically recorded on the living flesh in our contemporary world. Mau moko celebrates identity, so modern memorial ornamentation mourns and reflects on this in ‘memento mori’; and also reinforces and engages reality in the correspondent notion of ‘memento Maori’; an assertion that claims dominion and understanding across generations, across time, across space.

year: 2009-11