Virtual hardware system redefines the basic architecture of a traditional computer

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT Inc., under its Black Diamond Advanced Technology product line, has been granted U.S. Patent No. 7,607,005, entitled, "Virtual Hardware System with Universal Ports Using FPGA," which is the technology used in its SwitchBack™ ultra-rugged mobile computer.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100126/LA44104LOGO)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090226/RMTLOGO-a)

The now patent-protected architecture in the SwitchBack redefines the basic design of traditional computers by placing a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in control of the computer and making the CPU and chipset peripherals. With this FPGA-based system, new hardware functionality is more easily upgradeable, can be added without new physical hardware, and can be reconfigured repeatedly.

The result is a truly reconfigurable computer in which many types of circuits and processes can be defined and implemented. This powerful semiconductor device can be programmed as a re-definable circuit board, a virtual CPU, a memory storage device, or a combination of all three.

"Utilizing an FPGA in this way revolutionizes how computers can operate by allowing virtual hardware to be added to the system with a simple download and without redesigning the electronics," said Justin Dyster, vice president of engineering for the Black Diamond Advanced Technology product line. "No other PC in the world provides this capability in an ultra-rugged mobile form."

Putting the FPGA in primary control allows for parallel processing not possible in a traditional PC. For example, it can process video and immediately run it through the FPGA to analyze it, then overlay the results onto the top of the processed video stream, in near real-time. By utilizing an FPGA, this fast video processing allows for greater functionality in a lower-power computer design.

In the burgeoning field of biometrics, FPGA-centric architecture boosts the speed of processing iris scans, fingerprints and facial recognition technology.

Read the patent: http://bit.ly/8Uzua7

More about the SwitchBack: http://www.bdatech.com/switchback/  

About RMT and Black Diamond

RMT Inc. — under its Black Diamond Advanced Technology product line — designs, engineers and manufactures fully rugged computers and accessories, including the SwitchBack™ ultra-rugged mobile PC. Engineered to withstand the harshest elements, the SwitchBack features a modular, reconfigurable architecture that can be field-modified to each mission's precise objectives. RMT is based in Tempe, Ariz. www.bdatech.com.

SOURCE Black Diamond Advanced Technology

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bdatech.com