Research laboratories of the Institute of Telecommunications

Article index

  1. General characteristics
  2. Laboratory of Access Systems
  3. Photonic Communication Laboratory
  4. Networking Laboratory
  5. Laboratory of Digital Circuits in Division of Telecommunications Fundamentals
  6. Laboratory for Design and Prototyping of Circuits for Information Processing in Programmable Structures

Laboratory for Design and Prototyping of Circuits for Information Processing in Programmable Structures

Laboratory has been established in frame of Project “Photonics and Terahertz Technologies – Development of Department Research Center” No.  POIG.02.01.00-14-197/09, the Innovative Economy Program.

The laboratory directly supports research in the field of instrumental and integrated photonics. Since photonics combines issues from the fields of optics, electronics and informatics, designing innovative solutions in scope of photonic systems needs direst support of designers of electronic components and digital systems.

The development of new photonic solutions frequently requires application of digital circuits of high performance, that are able to process information in real time. Because of high complexity of algorithms used in digital signal and information processing it is often essential to use specialized digital systems, since general purpose processors, as well as digital signal processors do not deliver enough processing power. Thus reprogrammable devices are used as solutions offering not only the possibility to implement efficiently information processing systems, but also the ability to easy modify existing designs.

Taking into account complexities of digital signal processing algorithms, communication protocols and control systems in photonics (and not only), designing specialized units implementing these tasks for real-time systems is usually done with the use of the hardware/software co-synthesis methodology. With the advances in the microelectronics the integration scale of modern circuits is so large that it is possible to implement a microprocessor itself, as well as other components of microprocessor system in a single integrated circuit. Such solution is known as a System on Chip (SoC). SoC solutions offer not only single chip implementation, but also less power consumption and simpler integration with other components of larger system.

FPGA structures offer merits of specialized systems implemented in ASICs, at the same time allowing to avoid large implementation costs and inability to make changes after production. FPGA technology offers also great flexibility at the design stage and enormous ability to tune-up the design for specific task, allowing optimal hardware resources utilization. In case, the time-to-market is essential or ability to adjust implemented system to specific requirements, application of FPGA structures may be an excellent solution. One of the most appreciated features of FPGAs is, that they offer hardware platform, that allows to design, model and simulate software part of system on early stages of design process. The other important feature is the ability to utilize the concept of Intellectual Property Cores (IP Cores).

Equipping the laboratory with modern platforms for prototyping digital systems in FPGA structures, measurement and tests system, as well as CAD tools combined with the experience of design team allows for designing efficient and effective solutions not only for photonics . The Laboratory for Design and Prototyping of Circuits for Information Processing in Programmable Structures increases the research potential of Division of Telecommunication Fundamentals, what is of great importance in case of scientific projects and research for the industry.