High performance embedded computing (HPEC) has traditionally been performed by systems designed specifically for the task. Recent years have seen the increasing application of general-purpose high performance computing (HPC) systems in embedded applications. General purpose HPC systems typically have a large user base which results in broad application SW and device driver availability, robust development and debugging tools, and revenue streams which support significant R&D funding of technologies to enhance HPC system performance and reliability. Various factors have prevented wider adoption of general purpose HPC systems in the embedded space...factors such as lack of dense, ruggedized packaging suitable for embedded applications, lack of real-time capabilities in general purpose operating systems 1, and performance/watt and performance/unit volume advantages that specialized systems have traditionally had over general purpose HPC systems. This presentation details plans for addressing these shortcomings through the deployment of a heterogeneous computing architecture which incorporates FPGA-based reconfigurable computing and I/O elements, system interconnect advancements leveraged from HPC system development, microprocessor and system advancements developed under DARPA's HPCS program, and the mapping of the system into packaging suitable for HPEC applications.
