How can an FPGA prototype based on an academic concept be developed into a complete industrial embedded solution?
This case study presents a project carried out by our team. The objective of this mission was to transform an existing FPGA prototype into a robust, reliable digital platform. The next step was to make this platform ready for industrial use.
The challenge: moving from an academic concept to an industrial platform
Our client is a leading energy and equipment innovator, focused on power generation and Oil&Gas. They were developing an innovative dynamic pressure measurement solution.
The project was based on an innovative academic proof of concept (POC) for signal processing. In order to validate this approach, the client had already developed an FPGA prototype. The challenge now was to evolve this prototype into an industrialisable version of the system.
To achieve this objective, several major technical requirements were identified.
- The core of the innovation, namely the signal processing algorithm, had to be validated and optimised. The aim was to guarantee a level of accuracy and robustness compatible with industrial use.
- A high-performance signal processing chain had to be integrated into an FPGA SoC architecture capable of supporting the application requirements.
- The system also had to result in a complete digital platform linking the embedded system and the PC environment, with an interface enabling real-time control and visualisation.
- Finally, the solution required the design and production of a customised motherboard integrating the FPGA and analogue components.
Our approach
To meet our client’s requirements, we began by auditing the existing FPGA platform. This audit included a reverse engineering phase to analyse the existing architecture and understand its detailed functioning. This enabled us to put in place an action plan for developing the final platform.
In order to speed up debugging in an evolving hardware environment, we developed a specific test bench.
We also developed the firmware for the embedded ARM core to manage data flows and Ethernet communication with the host PC.
The project covered the supply of the hardware and software components required for a complete solution, including the FPGA SoC, the electronic board (PCB) and the PC interface.
Technical coordination and interface role
The project involved several stakeholders: internal teams, subcontractors and chip manufacturers. Aedvices acted as the central technical interface, coordinating the digital part of the project and ensuring alignment between the various contributors. This organisation made it possible to secure the development of the FPGA SoC and ensure the overall consistency of the project.
Results achieved
At the end of the project, the client has a market-ready version of the digital platform, including robust signal processing implementation and a fully integrated embedded hardware/software solution.
The delivered platform is a complete solution combining FPGA SoC, dedicated electronic board and PC interface, ready for industrial use.
This project illustrates the transition from an FPGA prototype based on an academic concept to a complete industrial embedded system, thanks to an approach covering auditing, reverse engineering, firmware development and hardware/software integration.
The success of this digital project is based not only on technological performance, but also on a comprehensive approach integrating architecture, validation, firmware development and workflow management. It is this vision that enables innovation to be transformed into a sustainable solution.