Research Team
The RETICOM project is carried out by CETIC Embedded System team. The research is performed in collaboration with the Microelectronics Laboratory of the Université Catholique de Louvain.
Objectives
The RETICOM project started in 2001. Its objectives are to:
Study and develop signal processing algorithms for DSP and more in particular for parallel architectures.
Master development tools for this sort of architecture.
Develop libraries of functionalities for signal processing and particularly in the field of communication.
Develop a programmable platform to process in real time signals coming from a sensor network.
Application
Systems and algorithms developed within the RETICOM project enable companies and SMEs more in particular, to quickly produce flexible, programmable and efficient prototypes at low cost, corresponding to their specific needs. They also enable research teams to implement and to evaluate algorithms and hardware components developed in their laboratory.
A Methodology of Conception Based on High Level SystemC Models
RETICOM project includes a workpackage on methodology of conception-based on high level SystemC models (programming language based on a C++ modelling library and a simulation kernel). Thanks to the power and the flexibility of C++, it is possible to produce a model which can be implemented seamlessly in the design flow. The introduction of software concepts and techniques (UML specification, design patterns) can really add value to the development of electronic systems.
Communicant, Flexible and Smart Systems
The signal processing systems built in this project are based on programmable logic devices (FPGA). A study of processors implemented in programmable logic has lead to the development of a “powerful” framework named SAND. This framework is composed of an embedded system based on a FPGA containing a “soft processor”. This architecture provides a high level of hardware and software flexibility. The SAND provides several wired and wireless communication interfaces. At software level, an embedded Linux has been adapted to run on the platform and provides stability, flexibility, efficiency to the system, allowing standardised access to its peripherals.
The SAND platform, currently in advanced prototyping phase, is used as a base to develop the libraries of functionalities. Among these are:
Processing functions for automotive data analysis. The SAND provides built-in CAN (FMS) / OBD2 communication interfaces to acquire vehicle data (speed, rpm, fuel consumption, throttle, etc). Thanks to its processing power, it is able to process data on-the-fly and store the results in non volatile memory.
Data acquisition and processing functions for data coming from sensors: temperature, position (GPS),...
The use of programmable logic devices eases the implementation of controllers for communication protocols.
Given its flexibility, its power and its numerous communication interfaces, the SAND turns out to be an appropriate tool for future researches on study and development of wireless heterogeneous communication systems (supporting several interfaces).
In order to extend its panel of application, the RETICOM project also leads to the development of a lightweight framework, called WAND. Based on Bluetooth communication technology this device is programmable and low power. Its main goal is to acquire data from various sources and to send these data intelligently using an opportunistic routing methodology through several possible ways (GSM, PDA, Computer). The e-heatlh applications are a typical use of the WAND.
Scientific Advisors
Promoters of RETICOM project are three professors of the Université Catholique de Louvain : Jean-Didier Legat (DICE), Luc Vandendorpe (TELE) et Michel Verleysen (DICE).
