The use of intermediate memories for low-latency memory access in supercomputer scalar units

One of the prime considerations for high scalar performance in supercomputers is a low memory latency. With the increasing disparity between main memory and CPU clock speeds, the use of an intermediate memory in the hierarchy becomes necessary. In this paper, we present an intermediate memory structure called a programmable cache. A programmable cache exploits structural locality to decrease the average memory access time. We evaluate the concept of a programmable cache by using the vector registers in the CRAY X-MP and Y-MP supercomputers as a programmable cache. Our results indicate that a programmable cache can be used profitably to reduce the memory latency if the pattern of references to a data structure can be determined at compile time.The work of the first author was supported in part by NSF Grant CCR-8706722.     

A programmable array processor architecture for flexible approximate string matching algorithms

Approximate string matching problem is a common and often repeated task in information retrieval and bioinformatics. This paper proposes a generic design of a programmable array processor architecture for a wide variety of approximate string matching algorithms to gain high performance at low cost. Further, we describe the architecture of the array and the architecture of the cell in detail in order to efficiently implement for both the preprocessing and searching phases of most string matching algorithms. Further, the architecture performs approximate string matching for complex patterns that contain don’t care, complement and classes symbols. We also simulate and evaluate the proposed architecture on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device using the JHDL tool for synthesis and the Xilinx Foundation tools for mapping, placement, and routing. Finally, our programmable implementation achieves about 8–340 times faster execution than a desktop computer with a Pentium 4 3.5 GHz for all algorithms when the length of the pattern is 1024.     

Dynamic hardware plugins: exploiting reconfigurable hardware for high-performance programmable routers

This paper presents the dynamic hardware plugins (DHP) architecture for implementing multiple networking applications in hardware at programmable routers. By enabling multiple applications to be dynamically loaded into a single hardware device, the DHP architecture provides a scalable mechanism for implementing high-performance programmable routers. The DHP architecture is presented within the context of a programmable router architecture which processes flows in both software and hardware. Implementation options are described as well as the prototype testbed at Washington University in Saint Louis which utilizes the partial reconfiguration capability of modern field programmable gate arrays.     

Programmable applications: exploring the potential for language/interface symbiosis

Programmable applications are software systems that seek to combine the learnability and accessibility of direct manipulation interfaces with the expressive power and range of programming languages. In this paper we explore techniques for creatively integrating language and interface constructs within programmable applications. Using SchemePaint—a programmable graphics application—as a source of examples, we demonstrate how an interface and language can combine symbolically and thereby provide powerful modes of expression within applications.     

Programmable applications: exploring the potential for language/interface symbiosis

Abstract

Programmable applications are software systems that seek to combine the learnability and accessibility of direct manipulation interfaces with the expressive power and range of programming languages. In this paper we explore techniques for creatively integrating language and interface constructs within programmable applications. Using SchemePaint—a programmable graphics application—as a source of examples, we demonstrate how an interface and language can combine symbolically and thereby provide powerful modes of expression within applications.     

基于虚拟机的可编程器件仿真系统中编译器技术的研究

论文针对可编程器件的仿真问题,对基于虚拟机的编译器技术进行了较深入的研究,提出了具体的设计方案。通过采用两遍编译及地址回填技术和构建比较完备且存取效率较高的符号仓库,有效地实现了源程序到目标程序的等价转换,并为可编程器件仿真系统PDSS设计了一个可编程器件编译器PDC。在PDSS中,PDC与虚拟机相互配合,使可编程器件的仿
仿真脱离了特定处理器体系结构的限制,而且不依赖于具体操作系统的实现,达到了对编译、运行直至仿真的完全控制。     

Facilitating energy savings with programmable thermostats: evaluation and guidelines for the thermostat user interface

Thermostats control heating and cooling in homes – representing a major part of domestic energy use – yet, poor ergonomics of these devices has thwarted efforts to reduce energy consumption. Theoretically, programmable thermostats can reduce energy by 5–15%, but in practice little to no savings compared to manual thermostats are found. Several studies have found that programmable thermostats are not installed properly, are generally misunderstood and have poor usability. After conducting a usability study of programmable thermostats, we reviewed several guidelines from ergonomics, general device usability, computer–human interfaces and building control sources. We analysed the characteristics of thermostats that enabled or hindered successfully completing tasks and in a timely manner. Subjects had higher success rates with thermostat displays with positive examples of guidelines, such as visibility of possible actions, consistency and standards, and feedback. We suggested other guidelines that seemed missing, such as navigation cues, clear hierarchy and simple decision paths.

Practitioner Summary: Our evaluation of a usability test of five residential programmable thermostats led to the development of a comprehensive set of specific guidelines for thermostat design including visibility of possible actions, consistency, standards, simple decision paths and clear hierarchy. Improving the usability of thermostats may facilitate energy savings.     

Programmable Imaging: Towards a Flexible Camera

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a programmable imaging system. Such an imaging system provides a human user or a vision system significant control over the radiometric and geometric characteristics of the system. This flexibility is achieved using a programmable array of micro-mirrors. The orientations of the mirrors of the array can be controlled with high precision over space and time. This enables the system to select and modulate rays from the scene’s light field based on the needs of the application at hand. We have implemented a programmable imaging system that uses a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), which is used in digital light processing. Although the mirrors of this device can only be positioned in one of two states, we show that our system can be used to implement a wide variety of imaging functions, including, high dynamic range imaging, feature detection, and object recognition. We also describe how a micro-mirror array that allows full control over the orientations of its mirrors can be used to instantly change the field of view and resolution characteristics of the imaging system. We conclude with a discussion on the implications of programmable imaging for computer vision.     

ITECH6322可编程电源的远程控制软件的开发

开发一款ITECH6322可编程电源的远程控制软件。计算机与可编程电源以串行通信的方式进行通信,介绍硬件连接方式,详细说明在VB6.0开发环境下使用SCPI（Standard Commands for Program-mable Instruments）协议的方法。实验结果表明,该软件能够实现可编程电源的远程控制。     

可编程移动电脑加密机的设计方法

可编程移动电脑加密机是一种新型的电脑加密设备,用于对电脑上的文件进行加/解密处理。可编程移动电脑加密机采用可重构密码协处理器作为加密芯片、采用USB接口与电脑通信,因此它将可重构密码协处理器的可编程特性与USB接口的移动性很好地结合起来,从而具有灵活、高效、安全、方便等优点,可广泛应用于政治、军事、外交、经济、金融等领域。论文提出了可编程移动电脑加密机的设计方法,主要包括以下几个方面:总体结构设计、PC机与可编程移动电脑加密机之间的通信协议、USB总线接口芯片与可重构密码协处理器之间的接口电路、可编程移动电脑加密机的控制软件等。     

SLurtles: Supporting constructionist learning in Second Life

Constructionism places an emphasis on the process of constructing shareable artefacts. Many virtual worlds, such as Second Life, provide learners with tools for the construction of objects and hence may facilitate in-world constructionist learning experiences. However, the construction tools available present learners with a significant barrier (or ‘high-floor’) for the novice to first master. To address this problem, this paper presents the design concepts, first implementation and analysis of SLurtles (programmable turtles in Second Life), easy-to-use, programmable construction tools for use in Second Life. During a pilot study 24 postgraduate learners in pairs and working at distance from one another, programmed SLurtles to create interactive installations in Second Life over four weeks. Open interviews were conducted, chat logs recorded and learners artefacts and reflections were collected and analysed using qualitative methods. Findings show that SLurtles provide learners with a programmable, low-floor, high-ceiling and wide-wall construction tool, which supported their construction of a wide range of complex artefacts as part of a constructionist learning experience in Second Life.     

一个可编程虚拟实验平台的研究

本文分析了构建可编程虚拟实验平台的必要性和迫切性，提出了一个由集成开发环境、虚拟设备驱动程序和可编程虚拟设备组成的可编程虚拟实验平台模型，详细阐述了该模型的工作原理及其关键实现技术，并用此模型实现了接口虚拟实验平台的开发。实践表明，该平台完全可以满足可编程类实验教学的要求，特别适用于远程教学实验。     

采用"回避精确增益法"设计高精度程控运放

针对“传统程控运放”和目前“集成数字程控运放”的局限性,提出一种新的程控运放设计方法。该方案采用普通运放、低精度“数字电位器”、模拟开关和电压基准芯片,完成了高精度“程控运放”的设计,从而回避运放的精确增益,不但增益级数可多可少,而且具体增益可通过改变外接电阻任意设定。此设计成本低、精度高、调试简单,尤其适合大批量产品的生产。     

可编程设计在存储控制器实现中的应用

本文给出了一个动态随机访问存储器控制器的设计实例，并且说明应设置哪些参数来实现可编程设计。     

PLC在智能装置自动测试系统的研究和应用

可编程控制器在工业控制领域应用广泛,本文从可编程控制器在电力系统智能装置自动检测系统应用出发,介绍自动检测系统设计原理和系统组成,详细介绍PLC在本系统功能和具体应用范围,并针对可编程控制器应用中出现特殊问题进行分析,并给出解决方法。实践证明,可编程控制器系统的扩展性和可编程特点可有效满足部分控制系统的特殊要求。     

WIN9X下可编程的虚拟实验环境研究

本文在分析WIN9X环境下构建虚拟可编程环境的功能需求以及WIN9X的体系结构和虚拟环境的基础上，提出了一个虚拟可编程模型，并详细分析了模型中使用的VxD技术及工作 原理。应用该模型实现了微机原理、接口技术等课程的可编程虚拟实验环境。实验表明，该虚拟实验环境能够满足教学的要求。     

Online model predictive control of industrial processes using low level control hardware: A pilot-scale distillation column case study

Throughout the years, the computing power of industrial controllers has steadily increased. Together with the development of efficient quadratic program (QP) solvers, this raises the question whether these devices can host an online model predictive controller (MPC). The applicability of online MPC is investigated using a programmable automation controller (PAC) and a programmable logic controller (PLC) for the control of an industrially relevant process, i.e., a pilot scale distillation column. It is demonstrated that both devices are capable of hosting MPC, however the limitations of the PLC are reached for the investigated set-up. Finally, guidelines and pitfalls for use in practice are highlighted.     

MEMS可编程光栅动态驱动电路的研制

MEMS可编程光栅的工作性能很大程度依赖于驱动电路的性能。本文根据MEMS可编程光栅的工作特点及结构参数,提取出光栅的等效电容值,并采用集成高压运放研制出一种新型的MEMS可编程光栅的动态驱动电路。为了避免自激振荡的发生,电路中采用了频率补偿和并联反馈电容的方法,有效提高了电路的稳定性。实际电路经过测试,其动态性能与PSPICE10仿真的结果非常吻合。该动态驱动电路具有高的电压输出范围(0~180V),较高的频率响应(10kHz),大范围容性负载能力(1~1000pF),完全能够满足MEMS可编程光栅动态复杂控制的需要。     

Programmable Ferromagnet-Semiconductor Logic Devices

The scopes for creating new programmable logic magnetoelectronics-based elements were reviewed. The functions of programmable logic were shown to be realizable by the Hall elements, spin-gate and spin-tunneling magnetoresistance elements, and magnetic nanodots combined with relatively simple semiconductor circuits. By means of magnetic programming of the basic logic functions, they can be realized like programmable logic constructions using magnetic devices as nonvolatile programmable elements or like matrices of universal logic elements. Ability to save program information and input data and to convert in one cycle the set of logic configurations are the main advantages of the discussed magnetic and ferromagnet-semiconductor logic devices.     

一种基于FPGA高集成化的直接数字频率合成系统的设计

文章提出了一种基于高集成化的直接数字频率合成技术构成的程控信号发生器的设计方案，用于模拟微硬盘读写通道的伺服信号，方案采用超大规模FPGA（field-programmable logic）集成PDSP（programmable digital signal processor）设计和直接数字频率合成技术，试验结果证明，与传统使用分离器件设计方案相比，该方案能产生较高质量信号。电路设计有集成化、低功耗，简单化、易现场修改、便于程控等优点。