Embedded may save the day for the FPGA

Is it merely the approach of the Embedded Systems Conference that has led Altera and Actel to simultaneously release development systems for the embedded systems market? Or is it also a reflection of the fact that embedded opportunities may show more signs of life than client-server or telecom applications for the next few quarters?

It may be unrealistic to expect hordes of attendees at ESC this year, but at the same time, it may be the only end-application conference that shows a pulse in 2009. High-end computing OEMs already have turned to FPGAs in many CPU and communication boards. But the embedded worlds of factory floor, medicine, and mil-aero still are in transition from 32-bit microcontrollers and DSPs. This is where special kits for Cyclone and Fusion make sense.

Altera’s development kit is intended not only as a vehicle for the Cyclone III EP3C120, but as an indirect way to develop embedded Linux applications for the Nios II soft processor core. The Altera development kit is actually three boards in one, with the primary Cyclone III board augmented by two daughter cards linked via High-Speed Mezzanine Connectors – one for multimedia, one for multi-purpose interconnect.

Actel is aiming at an embedded showcase for its mixed-signal Fusion FPGA, emphasizing its use with embedded processor cores by including license-free versions of the ARM, Cortex, and Core8051 processors. By offering current measurement and analog interfaces, the Actel development kit is optimized for applications where power analysis is critical.  Actel also is offering a free development environment, SoftConsole, for its Igloo and Fusion products.

Rumor has it that Xilinx and Lattice might also have some application support tools launched at ESC. No surprise to see FPGA vendors jump at any market showing signs of life.