The Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) combines the flexibility of software with the speed of hardware. It is a programmable chip made up of logic, arithmetic and memory blocks that the user can connect and reconnect to perform different functions. It is like wiring and rewiring a circuit board without using a soldering iron. FPGAs have revolutionized the worlds of embedded computing, communications, medical devices and industrial controls. This month the Montclair Society of Engineers invited Phil Southard who will present real world application examples from windshield wiper controllers to vision systems to ultrasonic dental products. He will also discuss industry observations and some helpful tips learned the hard way.
Phil Southard, is an Adjunct Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rutgers University where he studies embedded systems, new programming languages and new applications of FPGAs. He is a graduate from Ohio University with M.S.E.E. He has over 20 years experience in FPGA design and has consulted for like GE, Lockheed Martin, NEC and SRI.
He is active in the IEEE Consultants Network and FIRST Robotics.