Adaptive Logic Element Dual-Speed Register Non-Destructive Readback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of programmable logic devices, such as FPGAs, is limited by the availability of hardware resources, and adding dedicated shadow registers for non-destructive readback and writeback increases power consumption and area usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive logic elements with pairs of fast and slow registers, where the slow registers operate at a lower frequency and are used for non-destructive readback and writeback, allowing for efficient data sampling and shifting operations without the need for dedicated shadow registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated shadow registers are added to the FPGA for non-destructive readback and writeback, then the non-destructive readback and writeback capability is improved, but the power consumption and area usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing dual-speed register structures serve multiple functions: they simultaneously provide normal operation registers and shadow registers for non-destructive readback/writeback. The same physical registers are used for both data processing and debugging purposes by controlling their operating speeds, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shadow register hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (clock frequency) of existing registers to create different functional modes. By operating registers at different speeds, the system can switch between normal operation mode and shadow register mode, allowing one hardware structure to provide multiple functions without additional power-consuming components.
2Reliability
If dedicated shadow registers are added to the FPGA for non-destructive readback and writeback, then the non-destructive readback and writeback capability is improved, but the area usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing dual-speed register structures serve multiple functions: they simultaneously provide normal operation registers and shadow registers for non-destructive readback/writeback. The same physical registers are used for both data processing and debugging purposes by controlling their operating speeds, eliminating the need for separate dedicated shadow register hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of shadow registers with the existing dual-speed register structure. Instead of adding separate shadow register hardware, the system combines debugging functionality with the operational registers by utilizing the slow register path, thereby reducing overall hardware area while maintaining non-destructive readback and writeback capabilities.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If slow registers are used for non-destructive readback and writeback instead of dedicated shadow registers, then the power consumption and area usage are reduced, but the implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms that allow the same register structure to operate in different modes (fast for normal operation, slow for shadow operations) based on runtime requirements. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt between performance and debugging modes without requiring separate static hardware structures, managing complexity through controlled flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for non-destructive readback and writeback of an integrated circuit system are provided. Such a system may include an adaptive logic element including a first register pair. The first register pair may include a first register operating at a first frequency and a second register operating at a second frequency. The second frequency may be equal to or lower than the first frequency. The second register may store data from the first register. The adaptive logic element may also include a first clock providing a first clock signal to the first register and a second clock providing a second clock signal. The adaptive logic element may also include a multiplexer that may select the first clock signal or the second clock signal as a clock source for the second register.