Reconfigurable real-time signal transport system using custom FPGAs

The paper discusses a new architecture for reconfigurable real time signal transport systems that uses FPGAs and describes an experimental system design. The basic architecture of the reconfigurable transport system is proposed based on the requirements for real time signal transport in a typical telecommunication network. The proposed system consists of reconfigurable modules using the custom designed FPGA called PROTEUS, a program control module for hardware/software coprocessing, and line interface modules including an automatic connection control mechanism. The system can be used not only for the initial installation stages of actual communication systems, but also for rapid prototyping tools or emulators.