Configurable computing systems combine programmable hardware with programmable processors to produce an adaptive high-performance system. High-performance customized digital circuits execute on the programmable hardware, while flexible software executes on the processor. This project is developing a partial evaluation approach, in which some parameters of specific computations are programmed into the hardware. For some problems, such as combinatorial optimization or factoring, this approach may accelerate performance. Research in this project concentrates on use of a small number of parameterized macros for each type of problem. The UCLA Electrical Engineering Department is introducing a Computer Engineering option into the undergraduate degree. The PSIC effort will be integrated into the capstone design class for this option. This will combine all aspects of computer system design in a focused environment. Students will be attracted to the course material because of its integration into an advanced research program.
