Cloud Based Remote FPGA Lab Platform: An Application of Internet of Things

Abstract

IoT (Internet of Things) is the next generation of the Internet. The main goal of IoT is to connect each and every physical object to the Internet Cloud. This concept is introduced by bringing IoT technology to the laboratories, making expensive laboratory equipment available on-cloud for real-time experimentation. In this paper, an on CLP (Cloud Laboratory Platform) is presented by employing the concept of IoT to the academic experimentation environment. The CLP allows a rapid deployment of an online laboratory system enabling students and researchers to perform actual experiments on the on-Cloud laboratory equipment using a web interface. A web interface for end users to access front end of the system. This interface was developed for login purposes so that any user can perform experiments from anywhere. The interface also provides options for comments and feedback. Moreover, this research contribution also facilitate users to test their designs and record observations in real-time on the equipment. For demonstration purposes, a remote lab has been developed for high-tech Xilinx FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) development boards, namely Spartan-II and Spartan-III. This project aims to provide students a new tool to enhance their learning experience and encourage them to test their theoretical knowledge in practical applications.