Heterogeneous systems (HS) utilize multiple data processing units of different types, for example – hard-processor (HPS) and reprogrammable gate array (FPGA). In contrast to homogeneous systems, which gain in performance by increasing count of identical type of resources (e.g. processor cores), HS achieve similar effect by utilizing diversity of its components, and solving each part of the task by most suitable available resource. Modern technologies allow integration of HS components on a single crystal, making a System on a Chip (SoC). In SoCs different data processing units are connected to a single bus, allowing for fast exchange of huge data streams.
Work with HS demands competence in broad range of disciplines – electronics, computer architecture, programming and signal processing. This course offers 2 signal processing models and all concepts, necessary for these model practical realization in HS: HS architecture, usage of Hardware Description Language (HDL) for signal processing in HS’s FPGA part, methods of data exchange between HPS and FPGA, and briefly about Operating System tools to support this data exchange. Coursework with students working in groups is included in this course.