Run-time dynamic reconfiguration: a reality check based on FPGA architectures from Xilinx

Dynamically adaptable computing systems is a promising research area aimed at developing systems which can adapt to changes in their environment while executing. The premises for such systems are advanced reconfigurable computing systems which allow for fast and partial reconfiguration. In this paper, we present our experience with runtime dynamic reconfiguration based on the state-of-the-art FPGA architecture from Xilinx, the Virtex family. We pinpoint pitfalls and shortcomings and propose solutions to overcome some of these. Finally, we address the required improvements needed to make dynamic reconfiguration feasible for realistic systems.