An emerging type of chip architecture known as adaptive, or reconfigurable, computing, could transform technology, combining the programmability of the microprocessor with the speed of dedicated hardware.

With this new approach, software is able to effectively redraw a chip’s physical circuitry on the fly. Adaptive computing enables a single chip to perform tasks normally requiring several; it can add speed while saving cost and energy, compared to today’s conventional static chips in which circuitry is inflexible. It can also allow for quicker product design cycles.

QuickSilver is developing two chips using adaptive computing: one is for an imaging system for Olympus; the second chip will make it possible to record a television show at the same time a consumer is watching a DVD.