The Special Interest Group for Computer Architecture has been hard at work putting the final touches on its Engineering Open House projects. Exhibiting four projects this year, the group has been quite busy. Come to the Digital Computer Laboratory February 25-26th and see our projects:
The Apropos Computing Engine: SigArch's largest project of the year is the Apropos Computing Engine (ACE). ACE is a completely new concept in computer hardware design. Based on an array of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA's), the ACE can be "reconfigured" to perform incredibly fast computations by redefining the hardware that comprises the system. The ACE project will be on display in the Atrium of the Digital Computer Laboratory during EOH, so don't miss your chance to see what we've started!
The PowerGlove Serial Interface: The PowerGlove Serial Interface (PGSI) is an ongoing project of the Special Interest Group for Computer Architecture (SigArch). Started two years ago, the PGSI is an interface that allows users to input three-dimensional information about the location of their hand and the position of their fingers through a Nintendo PowerGlove. This data can then be processed by computer to do anything from rotating three-dimensional objects in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program to moving cursors across the screen. The PGSI is also capable of driving three-dimensional SEGA shutter glasses that give users the illusion of three-dimensional video on their computer screen. See Greg Brauer demonstrate the PGSI with his automated robot arm at the SigArch display in the Atrium of the Digital Computer Laboratory during EOH.
The 64 Bit Input/Output Project: This year we began a new project designed to get new members of SigArch acquainted with some of the basics of embedded systems design, and to provide a platform for electronics experimentation in the future: the 64 Bit I/O Project (64 BIO Project). The 64 BIO device monitors 64 inputs and controls 64 outputs, which allow experimenters to connect anything from microwave ovens to home stereo equipment to their computer. The 64 BIO can also be used to monitor and control other SigArch projects, like the PowerGlove Serial Interface or the Apropos Computational Engine. The 64 BIO will be demonstrated this year in the Atrium of the Digital Computer Laboratory.
The ACM Scrolling Sign: Walking through the hallways of the Digital Computer Laboratory, on your way to see the EOH projects, you might see some flashing lights in one of the display cases. This is yet another of SigArch's projects: the ACM Scrolling Sign. Proposed last year as a project to give new SigArch members a hands-on design project, the scrolling sign is now linked to the Internet, a world-wide computer network, so people from all over the world can display messages on it. Chairs in the hall near the sign offer a great place to rest after taking in all the projects, and reading the messages on the scrolling sign is sure to be entertaining. Stop by the ACM exhibits and use NCSA Mosaic to put your own message up in lights!
For more information on any SigArch projects, or to find out how you can become involved, send email to sigarch@uiuc.edu.