Abstract: Methods for configuring an embedded system are described. One method includes connecting a plurality of add-on cards to a circuit board having a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards. At least one add-on card connects to a circuit board utilizing two or more connectors. The method also includes determining an identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards, where the identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards is used to generate a configuration image. Further included is configuring the programmable processor to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards by obtaining the configuration image. In some examples, the programmable processor is an FPGA.

Abstract: Methods for configuring an embedded system are described. One method includes connecting a plurality of add-on cards to a circuit board having a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards. At least one add-on card connects to a circuit board utilizing two or more connectors. The method also includes determining an identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards, where the identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards is used to generate a configuration image. Further included is configuring the programmable processor to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards by obtaining the configuration image. In some examples, the programmable processor is an FPGA.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for designing an embedded system using a design process for building a general-purpose computer. Specifically, the embedded system design includes adding and removing add-on cards as needed during the development of the embedded system design. The add-on cards are easily obtainable and connect to a circuit board of the embedded system by selecting lines originating from the circuit board. The lines not selected are passed on to other add-on cards connected to previously connected add-on cards. After all the lines from the circuit board are either selected to connect to logic of the add-on cards or remain unselected, information regarding the add-on cards are used to generate a configuration image. The configuration image is transmitted to a programmable processor of the circuit board to enable communication on the selected lines, thus permitting the embedded system to function.