The purpose of this project was to implement and run performance benchmarks on various reconfigurable computing (RC) platforms. During the process of implementation and benchmarking, all results as well as lessons learned where documented. Comparisons against pure software implementations where also made. In this paper we presented the results for three RC platforms: DS1002 development system from DRC, PROCe development board from GiDEL, and the H101-PCIXM from Nallatech.
For more information on the details of this project please read my comprehensive report (about 5MB, right-click and save the document to your desktop).
As of October 2007, the iPod had sold over 119 million units worldwide and as a result, has become the best-selling digital audio player series in history. With such a huge user base the iPod accessory market is even larger, as most iPod users own several iPod accessories. Within the iPod accessory market a void exists.
For iPod consumers there is a distinct hurdle to go from unplugging the headphones to plugging multiple iPods into a stereo system. For example, at college parties and gatherings the party goers are often forced to suffer through the sometimes poor musical taste of the party thrower. The iParty device allows several of the party goers to connect their personal iPods to the device and as a result, allow their personal musical taste to be heard.
An early sketch of the first iParty prototype is shown below.
Prototype
The iParty’s primary objective is to provide the consumer with the ability to mix multiple iPods into one standard stereo signal that can then be played on any sort of powered speakers or amplifier. The iParty’s secondary objective is to provide the best user experience possible without limiting or restricting the primary objective. The main features are:
Automatic iPod detection
iPhone
iPod touch
iPod classic (starting with generation 3)
iPod nano (all generations)
iPod mini (all generations)
Stereo audio mixing
Line level output
Autonomous DJ mode
Random song playback
iPod charging circuit
One hand operation
Jog wheel with center select
Graphical LCD
Used for displaying system information
Automatic backlight dimming
Robust
Low power
Field upgradable
Visually pleasing
System Level Design
To control the connected iPods the microcontroller sends specific commands via 19200 bits per second serial communication using standard 8N1 settings. The transmitted commands follow a strict ordered structure as shown below.
Packet
Size(bytes)
Description
Header
2
0xFF 0×55
Length
1
Total number of bytes for mode, command, and parameter
Mode
1
Mode of current connected device operation
Command
2
Command sent or received from connected device
Parameter
0 to 100
Optional, used by some commands for additional information
Checksum
1
0×100 – (Length + Mode + Command + Parameter)
For example, to tell an iPod to play the currently selected song the following bytes should be serial transmitted:
0xFF 0×55 0×04 0×04 0×00 0×29 0×01 0xCE
The iParty enclosure, was first designed using the CAD software, SolidWorks. After a preliminary design was completed, a generic ABS plastic enclosure was modified to match the design.
Enclosure Design
Here are some pictures of the final project:
Printed Circuit Board Design
Inside View
Finished PCB
All 10MB of the final report can be downloaded here.
This site (http://www.ufthetatau.org/) was completely done with PHP and MySQL. The visual design of the site is not the greatest but the database back end and members only section is rock solid. The members section serves over 250 members and is used for a calendar, contact information database, quote wall, photo gallery, etc…
The website has gone through several revisions since I graduated. The site I designed is no longer there but the members section I created is still being used. Just in case the actual site is down check out this mirror or this PDF version.
