On implementing FPGA-based reconfigurable instruments

Based on the FPGA chip with embedded software-core processors and digital signal processing codes, which provides both software-programmable and hardware-reconfigurable abilities, it is possible for us to construct a hardware kernel that can serve as the kernel of versatile measurement instruments. Reprogramming the embedded processors and reconfiguring the internal FPGA logic in the hardware kernel, we can implement various instrumental functions. Based on the hardware kernel, we can implement some rather economical instruments with proper performance. With different configuring algorithms, we have used the hardware kernel to demonstrate five kinds of instrumental functions. It is also possible to construct a multi-functional instrument by segmenting the FPGA and/or adaptively reconfiguring the hardware kernel, which is very suitable for educational electronic-related experiments from the viewpoints of both budget and function requirements.