Fundamental Underpinnings of Reconfigurable Computing Architectures

Reconfigurable architectures are a distinct point in the larger design space that includes programmable processors and nonprogrammable fixed-function devices. In this paper, we identify the major parameters that distinguish architectures in this design space and draw connections between these parameters and physical requirements (e.g., energy, delay, and area) and application characteristics (e.g., word width, locality). Building on these connections, we identify the fundamental advantages that reconfigurable architectures can offer.