Abstract: A power source system including a plurality of cells. The power source system uses electrical charge or current generated by a reaction in at least one of the cells to provide at least one operating material to at least one other of the cells. Optionally, the power source system uses the electrical charge generated by the reaction in the at least one of the cells to provide the at least one operating material to the at least one other of the cells only when the state of charge of the at least one of the cells is equal to or below a threshold or when the use of the cell is equal to or above a threshold. Optionally, in an initial or non-operational state, one or more or each of the cells is dry or without the at least one operating material and the power source system is configured to selectively switch at least one of the plurality of cells from the non-operational state to an operational state by providing the at least one operating material to the at least one cell.

Abstract: A pulser system and method of operation for creating pressure pulses for pulse telemetry for measure while drilling tools using a direct drive. The method includes the step of activating an electric motor and thereby turning a motor shaft. Next, turning a threaded shaft by rotation of the motor shaft and translating a ball screw nut along the threaded shaft responsive to turning the threaded shaft. The next steps are translating a piston rod within a cylinder housing by a linear positioner responsive to translating the ball screw nut and moving a poppet coupled to the piston rod to create the pressure pulses.

Abstract: A pulser for generating positive pressure mud pulses includes a signal shaft disposed to move between an up position and a down position within a ceramic shaft seal, the signal shaft connected at a top end to a drive shaft, the signal shaft sealing a poppet orifice when in the down position, wherein the drive shaft is connected to an actuator, the actuator connected to a hybrid bearing and a pulser coupling. The pulser is contained in a drill collar and configured to connect to a bottom end assembly. The pulser includes a pressure compensation membrane.

Abstract: Creating pressure pulses for pulse telemetry for MWD tools using direct drive. Example embodiments of creating the pressure pulses include: activating an electric motor and thereby turning a motor shaft; turning a threaded shaft by rotation of the motor shaft; translating a ball screw nut along the threaded shaft responsive to turning the threaded shaft; translating a piston rod within a cylinder housing by the linear positioner responsive to translating the ball screw nut; moving the poppet coupled to the piston rod; counting electronic pulses from a sensor that senses full or partial rotations of the motor shaft, the counting creates a count value; and ceasing activation of the electric motor when the count value meets or exceeds a set point count value proportional to a predetermined travel distance of the poppet.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a MWD system at the BHA of a drill string may include transmitting the data in a MWD signal from the MWD system. The MWD signal may be modulated at a position closer to the surface onto a mud pulse modulated signal. The mud pulse modulated signal may be generated by a downhole friction reducing device. The downhole friction reducing device may include a mud motor. The mud motor may create pressure pulses based on its speed of rotation. The downhole friction reducing device may include a modulating valve. The modulating valve may be electromechanically or mechanically operated. The modulated signal may be detected at the surface by a receiver using one or more pressure or flow sensors. The receiver may use one or more harmonics of the modulated signal to receive the data.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump system can include a multiphase electric motor operatively coupled to a fluid pump where the multiphase motor includes a wye point; telemetry circuitry operatively coupled to the wye point where the telemetry circuitry generates AC telemetry signals; a multiphase power cable operatively coupled to the multiphase electric motor; and a tune filter operatively coupled to the multiphase power cable where the tune filter passes and amplifies AC telemetry signals generated by the telemetry circuitry, the AC telemetry signals being transmitted to the multiphase power cable via the wye point. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optimizing the operation of a hydraulically powered rotor and stator driven drill as it drills a wellbore into the earth is described. Drilling optimization is provided measuring a first set of rotor and stator operating parameters including the speed of rotation of the rotor and rotor torque for a first period of time, generating a first set of relationships from the first set of operating parameters to enable the rotor speed and rotor torque to be predicted over a range of operating parameter values, determining from the relationships a first more optimal mode of operation, and changing at least one operating parameter to move the operation of the rotor and stator towards the more optimal mode of operation.

Abstract: A base station could establish maximum transmit power that the WCD should apply per carrier when serving the WCD on multiple carriers, with the base station considering the WCD's total power headroom and a delta of the WCD's uplink receive power per carrier. For instance, the base station could determine the WCD's total power headroom and could determine a receive power delta per carrier, the base station could effectively re-distribute the WCD's total power headroom among the carriers as adjustments to the maximum transmit power per carrier in accordance with a relative comparison of the receive power deltas on the carriers, the base station could further shift the adjustments to keep the sum of the WCD's maximum transmit power of the carriers in line with the WCD's maximum total transmit power, and the base station could direct the WCD to apply the shifted adjusted maximum transmit values.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improvement in the quality of a transmitted signal, and more particularly, to an electronic apparatus and a method which are provided with a passive equalizer improving the quality of a transmitted signal when a signal is transmitted/received to/from an external apparatus, and a system for the same. The present disclosure provides a signal transmission system for improving the quality of a transmitted signal. The signal transmission system may include a transmitter that transmits a signal; a receiver that receives the signal from the transmitter; a channel that is formed between the transmitter and the receiver and transmits the signal delivered by the transmitter; and a passive equalizer that is formed between the transmitter and the receiver and controls the signal so as to have a higher impedence than a predetermined impedance at a lower frequency than a predetermined frequency of the signal.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drilling parameter sensor in communication with a sensor application 22 that generates processed data from raw data that is received from the drilling parameter sensor. A process application 24 is in communication with the sensor application 22 and generates an instruction based on the processed data. A priority controller is in communication with the process application 24 and evaluates the instruction for release to an equipment controller 14 that then issues the instruction to one or more drilling components.

Abstract: A modem is described having a transceiver assembly, a non-transitory processor readable medium coupled to the transceiver assembly, transceiver electronics coupled to the transceiver and the non-transitory processor readable medium, and a power supply supplying power to the transceiver assembly and the transceiver electronics. The transceiver electronics are configured to calculate a size of an output bit stream based on an encoding scheme to encode for transmission data stored in the non-transitory processor readable medium, decimate the data if the size of the output bit stream exceeds a predetermined size, recalculate the size of the output bit stream, after decimation of the data, based on the encoding scheme to encode for transmission the decimated data, and encode the data using the encoding scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system described for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid utilizing a flow throttling device longitudinally and axially positioned within the center of a main valve actuator assembly is described. The main valve actuator assembly includes a main valve pressure chamber, a magnetic cup encompassing a rotary magnetic coupling, and a pilot actuator assembly.

Abstract: A system and method to synchronize distributed measurements in a borehole are described. The system includes a plurality of wired segments coupled together by couplers and a plurality of nodes configured to measure, process, or relay information obtained in the borehole to a surface processing system, each of the plurality of nodes comprising a local clock and being disposed at one of the couplers or between couplers. The system also includes a surface processing system coupled to a master clock and configured to determine a time offset between the master clock and the local clock of an nth node among the plurality of nodes based on a downhole generated synchronization signal.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry tool is used in a drill string that has a drilling fluid flowing inside. The mud pulse telemetry tool may include a pulser disposed in the drill string and a drive system for driving the pulser. The pulser may include a non-rotating mud pulse stator and a mud pulse rotor disposed proximate to the stator. The drive system may include a turbine stator, a turbine rotor, and a rotatable inertial member magnetically coupled to the turbine rotor. The inertial member may be operatively connected at a first end to the mud pulse rotor. In the mud pulse telemetry tool, rotational energy may be transmitted from the turbine rotor to the rotatable inertial member by a magnetic coupling. The rotatable inertial member may be operatively connected to a supplemental motor that is adapted to supplement rotational energy imparted to the rotatable inertial member by the drive system.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

Abstract: A downhole tool 10 includes means for detecting a downhole condition, a capacitor bank, and a sparker. The technique is particularly useful for detecting casing collars. As the tool is passed along the well bore 11, it detects collars 12. On each detection, a part of the capacitor bank is discharged through the sparker. This generates an acoustic pulse which is transmitted through the ground (wave 14) to detectors 15, 16. The movement of the tool 10 is also monitored by a movement detector 20. The position of the tool 10 is correlated with the positions of the collars 12 by a computer 22 fed via interfacing circuitry 21. If desired, the pulses may be coded by strength, number, time spacing, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a clock signal when separate clocks are used. In one embodiment, a disciplined clock system comprising an update subsystem and a synthesis subsystem is provided. A first clock phase estimate is provided to the update subsystem and used, along with the update subsystem, to determine a frequency offset estimate and a phase offset estimate. The clock signal is determining using the frequency offset estimate, the phase offset estimate, and the synthesis subsystem. Alternatively, two clocks can be synchronized by generating a signal associated with a first clock; modulating the signal; transmitting the modulated signal; receiving the modulated signal by a receiver associated with a second clock; correlating the received signal; determining the time of arrival of the received signal; determining the time difference between the two clocks; and synchronizing the two clocks.

Abstract: A routing facility (1) for a subsea electronics module (7) has on a single circuit board (2) a facility (5) for routing data packets between segments of a differential serial bus, and at least one input/output interface (14, 15, 16) for digital and/or analog process values, wherein the process values are accessible via the differential serial bus.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system for a motorized vehicle includes a sensor providing a signal corresponding to a relative position of an accelerator pedal between an undepressed position and a fully depressed position at a first predetermined time interval. A memory device is provided for storing a plurality of provided signals. A controller is provided for averaging a predetermined number of provided signals and sending the averaged signal to the motor at a second predetermined time interval for modulating operating speed of the motor. Upon the memory device storing the predetermined number of provided signals, provided signals are discarded from the memory device on a first in, first out basis.

Abstract: A downlinking signal is transmitted downhole from the surface using drilling fluid as the communications medium. The downlinking signal includes at least a synchronization phase and a command phase. Attributes of the synchronization phase are used upon reception of the signal to determine corresponding attributes of the command phase. Commands may be transmitted downhole while drilling and simultaneously while using mud-pulse telemetry uplinking techniques.

Abstract: The High LCM Positive Pulse MWD Component is designed to reduce the entry of LCM and debris into traditional positive pulse MWD systems by utilizing a screen positioned over the fluid ports. The component modifies the traditional poppet housing utilized in positive pulse MWD systems without changing the parameters of the fluid ports or changing the operation or need to recalibrate standard positive pulse MWD systems.

Abstract: In electric equipment that has a digital interface, an operation that is normally performed by an output terminal during authentication processing is executed on equipment connected to an input terminal of the digital interface by the input terminal as an erroneous connection detection operation. When there is a proper response from the equipment connected to the input terminal of the digital interface in response to the erroneous connection detection operation, the electric equipment detects that the connected equipment has been erroneously connected. When an erroneous connection is detected, the electric equipment gives notice of the detection of the erroneous connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a clock signal when separate clocks are used. In one embodiment, a disciplined clock system comprising an update subsystem and a synthesis subsystem is provided. A first clock phase estimate is provided to the update subsystem and used, along with the update subsystem, to determine a frequency offset estimate and a phase offset estimate. The clock signal is determining using the frequency offset estimate, the phase offset estimate, and the synthesis subsystem. Alternatively, two clocks can be synchronized by generating a signal associated with a first clock; modulating the signal; transmitting the modulated signal; receiving the modulated signal by a receiver associated with a second clock; correlating the received signal; determining the time of arrival of the received signal; determining the time difference between the two clocks; and synchronizing the two clocks.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a first downhole tool and a second downhole tool. The first downhole tool includes a first controller operable to receive an actuation signal including a tone. The first controller actuates the first downhole tool if the tone is a first specified frequency and changes the first downhole tool to communicate the actuation signal to the second downhole tool if first downhole tool is not actuated in response to the actuation signal. A second downhole tool includes a second controller operable to receive the actuation signal. The second controller actuates the second downhole tool if the tone is a second specified frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reliably communicating data between surface and downhole equipment over a power cable, regardless of the length of the power cable, wherein a transmitter modulates a common data stream onto multiple high frequency carrier signals, each of which has a different frequency. Each of the different frequencies is best suited to communication over a different length of cable. The resulting modulated high frequency data signals are impressed on the power cable and are recovered from the cable by a receiver. The receiver is configured to recover signals at each of the different carrier frequencies, at least one of which should be transmitted with little enough attenuation and interference that the data stream can be accurately recovered from the corresponding modulated high frequency data signal.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a first downhole tool and a second downhole tool. The first downhole tool includes a first controller operable to receive an actuation signal including a tone. The first controller actuates the first downhole tool if the tone is a first specified frequency and changes the first downhole tool to communicate the actuation signal to the second downhole tool if first downhole tool is not actuated in response to the actuation signal. A second downhole tool includes a second controller operable to receive the actuation signal. The second controller actuates the second downhole tool if the tone is a second specified frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

Abstract: A method for reconstituting a signal due to a flow distortion in a mud-pulse telemetry system, having steps of obtaining at least one parameter to be transmitted by a transmitter to a receiver through the mud-pulse telemetry system, estimating a change in a flow rate in a borehole fluid along a trajectory of the mud-pulse telemetry system undergoing a fluid distortion, estimating a Doppler rate of the signal traveling through the borehole fluid along the trajectory of the mud-pulse telemetry system, calculating a Doppler compensation value for the signal sent along the trajectory in the borehole fluid, transmitting the signal of the at least one parameter through the mud-pulse telemetry system, receiving a portion of the signal of the at least one parameter and reconstituting at least a portion of the signal using the Doppler compensation value.

Abstract: A control device (1) and a triggering device (2) are coupled to one another for data processing. The control device and the triggering device (2) are electronic devices. The control device (1) determines a respective desired position value (p*) for at least one shaft with an interpolation cycle (T) and transmits a time delay (t) to the triggering device (2). The triggering device (2) monitors when the time delay (t) expires from transmission of the time delay (t) and then outputs a trigger pulse (I).

Abstract: A dynamic data compression system for forming and transmitting data from a downhole location within a borehole penetrating the earth to a surface location includes a data source that forms raw data sets of a formation contacting the borehole, the raw data sets being formed at a fixed rate and a data rate sampler that determines a transmission rate of a transmission channel. The system also includes a compression engine configured to compress the raw data sets according to compression parameters to form compressed data sets. The compression parameters are dynamically changed based on the transmission rate.

Abstract: A technique for communicating data within a wellbore is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving digital data and encoding the digital data into symbols each representative of one or more data bits of the digital data. In this embodiment, the method also includes modulating the phase of an acoustic wave within the wellbore to represent the plurality of symbols, wherein modulating the phase of an acoustic wave includes changing the phase of the acoustic wave such that the acoustic wave includes smooth phase transitions between successive phases representative of the plurality of symbols. Various additional methods, systems, and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A digital signal processing receiver, a system and/or a method identifies a decoded signal. The receiver, system and/or method extract at least one sequence of one or more symbols from a digital incoming signal to generate an extracted sequence of symbols. The receiver, system and/or method generate a first result based on a comparison of the extracted sequence of symbols and one or more possible matching digital signals of a set of idealized model data according to a Bayesian probability theory. The receiver, system and/or method generates a second result based on a comparison of an equalized version of the digital incoming signal and the one or more possible matching digital signals. The receiver, system and/or method generates a third result based on a comparison of the extracted sequence of symbols and one or more possible matching digital signals of a modified set of idealized model data.

Abstract: A system for communicating with downhole tools and devices is disclosed. The system includes multiple communication devices which, in combination, permit operators at the surface to operate downhole tools and to receive feedback regarding the state of the tools.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for communicating with a device disposed in a wellbore. Signals are sent through the Earth via signal pulses. The pulses are created by a seismic vibrator and processed by a receiver disposed in the wellbore. The receiver is in communication with the device and transfers data, such as command and control signal, to the device.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system for a motorized vehicle includes a sensor providing a signal corresponding to a relative position of an accelerator pedal between an undepressed position and a fully depressed position at a first predetermined time interval. A memory device is provided for storing a plurality of provided signals. A controller is provided for averaging a predetermined number of provided signals and sending the averaged signal to the motor at a second predetermined time interval for modulating operating speed of the motor. Upon the memory device storing the predetermined number of provided signals, provided signals are discarded from the memory device on a first in, first out basis.

Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.

Abstract: Acoustic telemetry devices and methods that provide directional detection. In one embodiment, a disclosed acoustic telemetry device comprises at least two acoustic sensors and an electronics module. The electronics module combines the detection signals from the acoustic sensors to obtain a combined signal that substantially excludes signals propagating in a direction opposite to the communication signal. The disclosed systems and methods can be trained in the field and will readily accommodate an irregular and unknown signal transmission medium between the two acoustic sensors.

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system comprises a surface located fluid supply line having a drilling fluid flowing therein. A non-venting pulser is disposed in the drilling fluid in the supply line, and the non-venting pulser is adapted to generate pressure fluctuations in the flowing drilling fluid. A downhole receiver in hydraulic communication with the non-venting pulser is adapted to detect the pressure fluctuations in the drilling fluid. A method for transmitting pressure signals from a surface location to a downhole location in a wellbore, comprises disposing a non-venting pulser in a surface located fluid supply line having a drilling fluid flowing therein. The non-venting pulser is actuated to generate pressure fluctuations in the flowing drilling fluid according to a predetermined encoding scheme. The pressure fluctuations are detected with a downhole receiver in hydraulic communication with the non-venting pulser.

Abstract: An apparatus to remotely archive data from a blowout preventer includes a first system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and a communications network, and a second system controller in communication with the blowout preventer and the communications network. A first remote server and a second remote server are connected to the communications network. The first remote server is configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the first local controller and the communications network. The first remote server is also configured to archive the data from the blowout preventer through the second system controller upon a failure of the first system controller resulting from damage in an oilfield component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device, and method for generating pulse signals that correlate to geological information in a wellbore. The system and method comprises a pulse generating device longitudinally and axially positioned within an annular drill collar flow channel such that the drilling fluid flows through the annular drill collar flow channel and the drilling fluid is guided into two sets of selectively reversible flow, upper and lower flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to an inner flow channel and the annular drill collar flow channel, and wherein the annular drill collar flow channel is acted upon by one or more flow throttling devices thereby transmitting signals. The device utilizes a turbine residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter that diverts drilling mud into and away from turbine blades such that the force of the drilling mud causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin around a coil assembly.

Abstract: Measurements made with at least two sensors (flow rate or pressure) during generation of a message concurrently with operation of a noise source are used to estimate a channel transfer function. The estimated transfer function is then used to attenuate pump noise in a mud pulse telemetry system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor.

Abstract: A mud pulser creates pressure pulses in a stream of drilling fluid circulating through a drill string. The pulser has a body connected into the drill string, and defines a flow passage for drilling fluid. A signal poppet having a piston is reciprocally carried within the body. A lower end of the poppet selectively restricts flow of drilling fluid through an orifice and to thereby increase pressure and creates a pulse while in an extended position. An inner passage with an upward facing servo seat formed therein is located in the body and extends through the signal poppet for the passage of drilling fluid. A motor-driven servo valve selectively engages the servo seat to control flow of drilling fluid through the inner passage. A limit switch responds to axial movement of the servo valve cause the motor to turn off when the servo valve reaches predetermined axial positions.

Abstract: Channel estimation and signal equalization is used in a mud-pulse telemetry system for uplink communication during drilling of wellbores.

Abstract: A Full-Duplex Pre-equalized OFDM system for high speed telemetry down-hole wire-line communication. The system compensates for the narrow bandwidth, high attenuation of, and noise in a downhole wireline using Trellis Code Modulation and Reed Solomon encoding.

Abstract: An oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced, multivalent data encoding. The rotor is driven by a motorized gear drive. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The system enables the use of multivalent encoding schemes for increasing data rates.

Abstract: A digital signal processing receiver, a system and/or a method identifies a decoded signal. The receiver, system and/or method extract at least one sequence of one or more symbols from a digital incoming signal to generate an extracted sequence of symbols. The receiver, system and/or method generate a first result based on a comparison of the extracted sequence of symbols and one or more possible matching digital signals of a set of idealized model data according to a Bayesian probability theory. The receiver, system and/or method generates a second result based on a comparison of an equalized version of the digital incoming signal and the one or more possible matching digital signals. The receiver, system and/or method generates a third result based on a comparison of the extracted sequence of symbols and one or more possible matching digital signals of a modified set of idealized model data.

Abstract: A system for communicating information in a borehole between tool assemblies in a tool string includes receiving an information signal and separating a first signal that may be a power and low speed signal. A second signal is separated and demodulated from the information signal. The first signal and second signal are transmit to electronic devices that process data from an earth formation. After the first and second signals are transmit to one or more electronic devices, the signals are modulated and/or filtered and then combined into the information signal. The first signal is at one frequency and the second signal is at a different frequency. The apparatus includes a main signal line that couples to a second signal line and third signal line in the tool assembly.

Abstract: A wireline telemetry system and method of transmitting data on multiple carrier frequencies. The system and method adjust power level and number of bits-per-carrier to optimally or near-optimally utilize the capacity of the wireline cable. Due to the nature of wireline telemetry the overall power level is restricted only by the output capability of the downhole telemetry cartridge and the input power restrictions of the uphole telemetry unit receiver. The optimal power level is determined during a training sequence and is a function of such factors as cable length, cable material, cable temperature and cable geometry. The uplink and downlink transmission are executed using different modulation techniques.

Abstract: A method of transmitting power and/or data between downhole equipment and a surface through a circuit including an alternating current (AC) powered motor and its associated power cable for powering the downhole equipment is disclosed, where the data is transmitted at frequencies outside the normal operating ranges that are thought acceptable. Associated circuitry and apparatus for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for loading a hardware configuration into downhole configurable hardware includes a surface control unit in communication with a downhole tool string component over a downhole network. The surface control unit initially has the hardware configuration and transmits it through the downhole network to the configurable hardware. The hardware configuration is implemented in the configurable hardware. The configurable hardware is preferably an FPGA.