KONERU LAKSHMAIAH EDUCATION FOUNDATION c

(Deemed to be University estd, u/s, 3 of the UGC Act, 1956)

(NAAC Accredited “A++” Grade University)

Green Fields, Guntur District, A.P., India – 522502

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

B.Tech.III ALL PROGRAMS

A.Y.2023-24 ODD, Semester-I
21CS3038R, High Performance Computing(HPC)
CO2

Session07: FPGA super computer

1.Course Description (Description of the subject):

It demonstrates purpose and detailing of FPGA super computer.

2.Aim

 Able to understand concepts of FPGA super computer.

3. Instructional Objectives (Course Objectives)

 To understand the purpose of FPGA super computer

 To understand advantages and applications of FPGA super computer

4. Learning Outcomes (Course Outcome)

CO2: Students will be able to understand and be able to explain FPGA super computer.

5. Module Description (CO-1 Description)

It demonstrates foundational concepts related to FPGA super computer.

6. Session Introduction

“FPGA super computer”

The session is focused on Current research on purpose of FPGA super computer, advantages,
and applications of FPGA super computer.

7. Session description

An FPGA is a semiconductor device that contains a grid of configurable logic blocks (CLBs)
and programmable interconnects.
 • FPGAs can be programmed and reprogrammed by the user after manufacturing,
where as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which are custom-
designed for a specific application.
• Use of FPGAs to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple logic operations to
complex digital signal processing.

Figure CO2. 1: Topology of FPGA super computer

Figure CO2. 2: Jenus module interconnects

 Configurability and Programmability:
It allows for rapid prototyping and iteration in the development process. The key
distinguishing feature of an FPGA is its re-configurability. Using a Hardware Description
Language (HDL) like Verilog or VHDL, engineers can describe the desired behavior of the
digital circuit they want to implement. This description is then compiled into a configuration
file, which is loaded onto the FPGA to create the desired functionality.
 Logic Blocks and Interconnects
This grid-like structure enables the creation of custom digital circuits, tailored to specific
tasks. . FPGAs consist of an array of logic blocks, each containing a collection of logic gates,
flip-flops, and other configurable elements. These logic blocks can be interconnected through
programmable routing resources.

Advantages of FPGAs:
Reconfigurability: FPGAs can be reprogrammed for different tasks, allowing for versatility in
applications.
Parallelism: They excel at parallel processing, making them well-suited for tasks that require
simultaneous execution of multiple operations.
Low Latency: FPGAs can reduce data processing delays by performing computations directly
on the hardware.
Power Efficiency: When programmed efficiently, FPGAs can offer high performance-per-
watt, making them attractive for power-sensitive applications.

8. Activities/ Case studies/related to the session

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHg0mmIg0UU

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Elgs5HzIbE

[3] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pvQ-vwLmCyI 0

9. Examples & contemporary extracts of articles/ practices to convey the idea of the
session:

[1] https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/products/fpga-news/fpga-makes-
supercomputer-run-faster-2014-11/

[2]https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/
download;jsessionid=B68323DFB94AE78508524E967669C5CD?
doi=10.1.1.453.3030&rep=rep1&type=pdf

[3] https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-1791-0

10. SAQ's-Self Assessment Questions:

1) What is the fundamental principle behind incorporating FPGAs in high-performance

computing architectures, and how do they differ from traditional CPUs and GPUs in terms of
functionality and adaptability?

2) Could you elaborate on the specific advantages that FPGAs offer in accelerating certain
computational tasks, and provide examples of applications or domains where they have
demonstrated significant performance gains compared to conventional processors?

3) Describe the process of programming and configuring FPGAs for high-performance

computing applications. How does this process vary from traditional software development
for CPUs or GPU programming?

4) Discuss the trade-offs and challenges associated with integrating FPGAs into high-
performance computing systems. What are some of the common considerations in terms of
power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and scalability when utilizing FPGAs in HPC
environments?

5) Provide insights into the future trends and potential advancements in the use of FPGAs
within high-performance computing. How might evolving FPGA technology impact the
landscape of computational science and engineering in the coming years?
11. Summary

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) serve a critical role in modern computing due to
their unique adaptability and efficiency. Unlike fixed-function integrated circuits, FPGAs can
be reconfigured to perform a wide range of tasks, making them highly versatile for
specialized applications. This adaptability is crucial in scenarios where off-the-shelf
processors are inadequate, such as in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, finance,
and scientific research.

In the realm of High-Performance Computing (HPC), FPGAs have emerged as powerful

accelerators. They augment traditional CPUs and GPUs by offloading specific computational
tasks to achieve substantial performance gains. This is particularly valuable in applications
where tasks can be highly parallelized and have a well-defined computational structure.
FPGAs excel at tasks like data processing, encryption, simulation, and signal processing.
Their programmability allows for tailoring hardware resources to match the computational
requirements, leading to impressive speed-ups in performance.

In HPC, FPGAs are leveraged to optimize algorithms and applications, resulting in reduced
processing times and improved overall system performance. They are especially valuable in
scientific simulations, financial modeling, genomics research, and other compute-intensive
fields. Moreover, FPGAs contribute to energy efficiency by executing tasks with minimal
power consumption, which is a critical consideration in large-scale computing

12. Terminal Questions

FPGAs:

1. What does FPGA stand for?

a) Field-Programmable Gate Array

b) Flexible Programmable Gate Algorithm

c) Fast Processing Graphics Array

d) Fixed Processing Gate Array

2. Which language is commonly used to program FPGAs?

a) Java

b) VHDL

c) C++

d) Python

3.What is the primary advantage of using FPGAs in digital design?

a) Low power consumption

b) Reconfigurability

c) High clock speeds

d) Built-in memory

4. FPGAs consist of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and ___________.

a) Fixed interconnects

b) Programmable interconnects

c) Logic gates

d) Microprocessors

FPGA Supercomputers:

5. FPGA-based supercomputers are known for their:

a) Scalability

b) Analog computing capabilities

c) Limited reconfigurability

d) High latency

6. In FPGA-based supercomputers, FPGAs are used as:

a) Main processors

b) Memory units

c) Accelerators

d) Networking devices

7. What is a common application area for FPGA-based supercomputers?

a) Genomics research

b) Text processing

c) Audio synthesis

d) Graphic rendering
History and Evolution:

8. When were FPGAs first introduced?

a) 1950s

b) 1970s

c) 1980s

d) 1990s

9. Who is considered the pioneer in the development of the first FPGA?

a) Robert Noyce

b) Lee Boysel

c) Gordon Moore

d) John von Neumann

10. Which company introduced the first commercially available FPGA?

a) Xilinx

b) Altera

c) Intel

d) Lattice Semiconductor

11. FPGA technology evolved from:

a) Programmable ROM

b) Discrete logic gates

c) Vacuum tubes

d) Transistors

12. What role do FPGAs play in high-performance computing (HPC) clusters?

a) Primary processing units

b) Memory units

c) Accelerators
d) Networking devices

13. FPGAs are used in HPC to offload specific computational tasks and enhance:

a) Energy efficiency

b) Software compatibility

c) Data storage capacity

d) Network bandwidth

14. Which of the following is a key consideration when integrating FPGAs into HPC
systems?

a) Cost-effectiveness

b) Availability of audio ports

c) Display resolution

d) Operating system compatibility

15. In HPC, FPGAs are often used in conjunction with other processing units to create:

a) Homogeneous systems

b) Hybrid systems

c) Decentralized systems

d) Virtual systems

13. Case Studies (CO Wise)

-NA-

14. Answer Key

1. a) Field-Programmable Gate Array

2. b) VHDL

3. b) Reconfigurability

4. b) Programmable interconnects

5. a) Scalability

6. c) Accelerators
7. a) Genomics research

8. c) 1980s

9. b) Lee Boysel

10. a) Xilinx

11. b) Discrete logic gates

12. c) Accelerators

13. a) Energy efficiency

14. a) Cost-effectiveness

15. b) Hybrid systems

15. Glossary:

- Aim
- Objectives
- Outcomes
- Module description
- Session description
- Activities
- Examples
- FAQs
- Summary

16. References of books,sites,links

Text Books:
[1] "FPGA Prototyping by VHDL Examples: Xilinx MicroBlaze MCS SoC" by Pong P. Chu
[2] "Digital Design and Computer Architecture: ARM Edition" by Sarah Harris and David
Harris
[3] "FPGA-Based Implementation of Signal Processing Systems" by Roger Woods, John
McAllister, and Gaye Lightbody
[4] "Field-Programmable Gate Array Technology" by Stephen Trimberger
[5] "FPGAs: World Class Designs" edited by Clive "Max" Maxfield
Sites:
[1] https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/products/fpga-news/fpga-makes-supercomputer-
run-faster-2014-11/
[2]https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/
download;jsessionid=B68323DFB94AE78508524E967669C5CD?
 doi=10.1.1.453.3030&rep=rep1&type=pdf
[3] https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-1791-0

7. Keywords

Definition, FPGAs, FPGA super computer, applications, advantages