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Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based control systems offer advantages over processor-based control systems in terms of reliability, concurrent processing, and higher throughput. Although FPGAs are generally reconfigured between applications, Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration (DPR) allows multiple Hardware Modules (HMs) to time-share a pre-defined portion of the programmable fabric while the remainder of the fabric stays active. The advantages of DPR include partial updateability of the programmable fabric, which can reduce a design’s footprint, cost, device count, and power dissipation. The goal of this Thesis is to extend the advantages of FPGA-based control systems by raising the level of abstraction to facilitate their designs. This is achieved in two ways: firstly, a new CAD tool is developed to extend software automation; secondly, a framework is created that incorporates the use of DPR. The framework abstracts the intricate low-level design details and leverages software engineering concepts to facilitate the development of FPGA-based control applications. HMs within the framework are encapsulated with light-weight, customizable wrappers that provide high-level communication functionality.

Distributed systems offer a useful approach for resolving critical networking limitations that result from the use of centralized topologies. Currently available distributed software platforms, however, have limitations that can limit their usefulness. This thesis examines the architectures of two distributed software platforms, JADE and JXTA, and compares their strengths and weaknesses. It is shown that JADE is a superior platform in terms of efficiency and latency, mainly due to the partially centralized approach of its Agent Management System. On the other hand, the decentralized management system and unrestricted scalability of JXTA has the advantage that it is not critically dependent on any node.