Why FPGAs Are Moving Beyond the Data Center to the Edge
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Modern cars can contain well over 70 sensors[1] that are all collecting data, and this number is significantly higher in high-end, Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS)-rich models.[2] Some of this data must be processed with minimal delay. Meanwhile, on the factory floor, multiple vision systems and robots must coordinate in real time under strict performance and security requirements. In both cases, the challenge is how to process large amounts of data quickly, reliably, securely, and right at the edge.
As edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT) applications continue to evolve and multiply, fast and reliable processing is required in a wider range of edge devices and use cases. Sensor fusion, machine vision, and real-time signal processing are creating more demands that traditional microcontrollers (MCUs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) were not designed to handle. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) were once deemed too expensive for high-volume edge use, but now, they have become a practical alternative due to advances in design and manufacturing that cut cost and power consumption.
Whether it's a car processing sensor data in real time, an industrial system coordinating machines on the factory floor, or a medical device that conducts imaging while protecting sensitive patient information, today's edge applications need consistent performance and strong security.
Microchip Technology's PolarFire® Core FPGAs meet those requirements by combining efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. In this blog, we'll look at the challenges engineers face at the edge and how PolarFire Core devices can solve them.
The Advantages of FPGAs
Processing speed and data security are top priorities in many edge computing applications. Automotive and manufacturing applications require ultra-fast processing to provide and maintain safety, while medical devices that input and output patient data require powerful security to ensure patient privacy.
FPGAs have two distinct advantages over MCUs and ASICs in edge devices and applications: affordability and adaptability. Because they can be reprogrammed and reconfigured, FPGAs give designers the flexibility to adjust to new requirements, whether that's a production line change, an updated safety feature, or a different data set to process.
In the past, high cost kept FPGAs out of many edge designs, especially in high-volume markets like automotive and medical. By reducing unnecessary design complexity while maintaining essential functionality, FPGAs have become a much more cost-effective solution.
FPGAs that are optimized for low power make sense in mobile equipment and handheld devices where energy use is critical. While they may not always match the raw performance of an ASIC, many edge applications don't need supercomputer-level horsepower. Instead, they need consistency, efficiency, and the ability to evolve.
Computing on the Edge
Edge computing is expanding into a wide range of industries, opening up new opportunities for FPGAs in markets that need both speed and efficiency.
In automotive systems, assisted and self-driving applications rely on sensor fusion to collect, analyze, and process data from cameras, radar, and other proximity sensors to determine the appropriate course of action in real time. Modern infotainment systems, which manage audio, climate control, and navigation, also need fast processing and strong security to protect data such as frequent destinations and search history.
On the factory floor, an array of automated machines or mobile robots might require a central processor or device to coordinate their movements in order to prevent collisions or gridlock. In this case, the deterministic performance of FPGAs helps maintain reliability. At the same time, security remains critical—a breach in an industrial control system can disrupt production or cause costly damage.
In healthcare, edge computing supports both patient-facing devices and advanced imaging systems. FPGAs can speed up tasks like ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan image processing while keeping data inside the hospital network for compliance. For handheld medical devices, power efficiency is just as important, since practitioners need tools that don't drain batteries during a shift.
PolarFire® FPGAs Core Series
The PolarFire Core series of FPGAs and system-on-chip (SoC) FPGAs from Microchip Technology is optimized for edge computing applications that prioritize low-power performance and affordability at volume. These FPGAs provide the essential performance necessary in handheld electronic devices found in hospitals or factories, as well as in larger automated machinery and automobiles. The PolarFire Core series' adaptability provides even more functionality, as they can be rapidly reconfigured as the need arises.
The new variation on Microchip’s PolarFire FPGAs has been streamlined by removing components that are often unnecessary in mid-range applications, helping reduce overall design complexity and providing high performance at a reduced cost. PolarFire Core SoC FPGAs integrate a quad-core, 64-bit RISC-V MPU for maximum flexibility and adaptability, meaning designers can continue to innovate and evolve their designs without having to start from scratch with application-specific components.
The Future of Edge Computing
As the number of connected devices grows, the limits of cloud computing are becoming more apparent. Latency, bandwidth, and security concerns make it impractical to send every stream of sensor data to a central server. Processing closer to the source, for example, in a vehicle, a factory, or a handheld device, offers faster response times and better control over sensitive information.
With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, edge systems are now able to handle more analytics on-site, instead of relying on remote infrastructure. This improves privacy and reliability while reducing the cost of moving large volumes of data. Healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation are already seeing the benefits.
For engineers, the question is how to bring this capability into high-volume products without driving up cost or power budgets. That's where Microchip's PolarFire Core FPGAs stand out, delivering low-power, cost-effective performance for edge applications that need consistent results without the overhead of a high-end processor.
Sources
[1]https://www.automotiveworld.com/special-reports/vehicle-sensing-and-monitoring-systems
[2]https://globalventuring.com/corporate/automotive-sensors-market-overview
Author
Alex Pluemer is a senior technical writer for Wavefront Marketing specializing in advanced electronics, emerging technologies and responsible technology development.