The reconfigurable application of ERAS

Dynamic reconfiguration (i.e. the reprogramming of a device whilst in a working system) is a novel technique and its full exploitation is yet to come. By sharing silicon it makes possible savings in space and power consumption whilst removing some of the restrictions on adding functionality that have conventionally existed by reducing the cost including extra features. In appropriate applications the effective use of this method of implementing multiple functions renders the term gate count meaningless. The sharing of a single device for a number of functions fits in perfectly with todays drive to push more utility into a smaller space. This need is being driven predominantly by the portable equipment market