EPGA and rapid prototyping technology use in a special purpose computer for molecular genetics

A custom accelerator for gene sequence analysis is described. The use of rapid prototyping technology, the key to producing a working system in a short amount of time, as well as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and in-house printed circuit board (PCB) prototyping, are discussed. Price-performance comparisons of the processor with other machines are offered. The processor is completely functional and yields a 15* performance improvement over an unassisted host.<>