Embedded Systems Design with Platform FPGAs

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Introduction

em.bed — to make something an integral part of

Merriam-Webster Online

From smart phones to medical equipment, from microwaves to antilock braking systems — modern embedded systems projects develop computing machines that have become an integral part of our society. To develop these products, computer engineers employ a wide range of tools and technology to assemble embedded systems from hardware and software components. One component — the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) — is becoming increasingly important. Informally, an FPGA can be thought of as a “blank slate” on which any digital circuit can be configured (Figure 1.1). Moreover, the desired functionality can be configured in the field — that is, after the device has been ...