The OpenCL kernel is synthesized as a hardware in the FPGA or it runs as software in some sort of custom hardware synthesized?

[JGuerra]

I would like to confirm if a OpenCL kernel processed by the AOC compiler is synthesized itself as a hardware

or

if some sort of custom design, something that look likes a custom CPU or GPU is assembled (or anything else similar), synthesized and the kernel actually runs as a software, like it is if we compile it to run in a GPU.

[HRZ]

It is the first case. The OpenCL "kernel" is optimized and converted to verilog and then synthesized as usual. The OpenCL "host code" will run on the host CPU, though.

[MEIYAN_L_Intel]

Hi, By using the AOC compiler, the OpenCL kernel source code compile as hardware configuration file. This file will be downloaded to the FPGA. Then, the target device is run based on the algorithms and library used. Hence,it can be conclude that the OpenCL kernel is synthesized as hardware after compile. You may refer to the link below for more information: https://www.intel.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/ja_JP/pdfs/literature/hb/opencl-sdk/aocl_programming_guide.pdf Thank you.