An FPGA-based network system with service-uninterrupted remote functional update

Abstract

The recent emergence of 5G network enables mass wireless sensors deployment for internet-of-things (IoT) applications. In many cases, IoT sensors in monitoring and data collection applications are required to operate continuously and active at all time (24/7) to ensure all data are sampled without loss. Field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based systems exhibit a balanced processing throughput and datapath flexibility. Specifically, datapath flexibility is acquired from the FPGA-based system architecture that supports dynamic partial reconfiguration feature. However, device functional update can cause interruption to the application servicing, especially in an FPGA-based system. This paper presents a standalone FPGA-based system architecture that allows remote functional update without causing service interruption by adopting a redundancy mechanism in the application datapath. By utilizing dynamic partial reconfiguration, only the updating datapath is temporarily inactive while the rest of the circuitry, including the redundant datapath, remain active. Hence, there is no service interruption and downtime when a remote functional update takes place due to the existence of redundant application datapath, which is critical for network and communication systems. The proposed architecture has a significant impact for application in FPGA-based systems that have little or no tolerance in service interruption.

Automating the mixing and spraying stage of the instant mashed potato process

“…In addition, automation is taken as a security control measure for jobs that are considered high risk, thereby protecting the integrity of the working personnel, minimizing the danger and reducing the risk of an accident. Authors in [38]- [43] are indicating that automation processes in industry 4.0 provide greater speed and productivity in food processes. Using three PLCs that communicate via Profibus using the Master-Slave protocol, greater efficiency has been achieved in the filling, dosing, packaging and transport processes.…”