Concretization and Morphware Networks 215
design of data structures and storage, tuning of applications and
advice on how to overcome the performance deficits of different
solutions for network deployment.
DPDK is one of the best examples of accelerators to compensate
for the deficient performance of processors running software which
needs to achieve performances compatible with its function. There are
other types of accelerators, which can be seen as being intermediary
between entirely software-based solutions and purely hardware
solutions. However, the advent of increasingly-powerful
reconfigurable microprocessors certainly represents the future of
concretization far better.
8.2. A reconfigurable microprocessor
A reconfigurable microprocessor is a microprocessor with erasable
hardware that can be rewired dynamically. This enables the chip to
adapt effectively to the programming tasks required by a particular
piece of software. For example, the reconfigurable processor can be
transformed from a video card to a graphics card – both of them being
optimized to enable the applications to run at the highest possible
speed. We can say that they are bespoke processors. In practical terms,
this ability results in a high degree of flexibility in terms of the chip’s
functions. For example, a single chip could be used simultaneously for
a camera, a tape player, a signal processor, a router and a firewall. We
need only load the desired software and the processor is reconfigured
automatically to optimize the performances necessary for the
programmed function.
Several types of reconfigurable processors are available on the
market. First of all, there are DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), which
exhibit excellent performance. DSPs are programmable chips used in
cellphones, automobiles and many music- and video players. Another
version of reconfigurable microprocessors has programmable memory
matrices which perform hardware functions using software tools.
These microprocessors are more flexible than specialized DSPs, but
are also slower and more expensive. Hardwired chips are oldest, least
expensive and fastest, but unfortunately the least flexible. A DSP is
illustrated in Figure 8.2.
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design of data structures and storage, tuning of applications and
advice on how to overcome the performance deficits of different
solutions for network deployment.
DPDK is one of the best examples of accelerators to compensate
for the deficient performance of processors running software which
needs to achieve performances compatible with its function. There are
other types of accelerators, which can be seen as being intermediary
between entirely software-based solutions and purely hardware
solutions. However, the advent of increasingly-powerful
reconfigurable microprocessors certainly represents the future of
concretization far better.
8.2. A reconfigurable microprocessor
A reconfigurable microprocessor is a microprocessor with erasable
hardware that can be rewired dynamically. This enables the chip to
adapt effectively to the programming tasks required by a particular
piece of software. For example, the reconfigurable processor can be
transformed from a video card to a graphics card – both of them being
optimized to enable the applications to run at the highest possible
speed. We can say that they are bespoke processors. In practical terms,
this ability results in a high degree of flexibility in terms of the chip’s
functions. For example, a single chip could be used simultaneously for
a camera, a tape player, a signal processor, a router and a firewall. We
need only load the desired software and the processor is reconfigured
automatically to optimize the performances necessary for the
programmed function.
Several types of reconfigurable processors are available on the
market. First of all, there are DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), which
exhibit excellent performance. DSPs are programmable chips used in
cellphones, automobiles and many music- and video players. Another
version of reconfigurable microprocessors has programmable memory
matrices which perform hardware functions using software tools.
These microprocessors are more flexible than specialized DSPs, but
are also slower and more expensive. Hardwired chips are oldest, least
expensive and fastest, but unfortunately the least flexible. A DSP is
illustrated in Figure 8.2.
www.it-ebooks.info