Bi-directional Dynamic Function Exchange Routing Resource
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable integrated circuits (ICs) using dynamic function exchange (DFX) technology face limitations in bi-directional communication between DFX regions, requiring separate unidirectional signal paths for each direction of communication, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a bi-directional routing resource that can be configured to convey signals in one direction for a first configuration of DFX regions and then in a different direction for a second configuration, using a single signal path and reducing the need for additional resources and constraints in design flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unidirectional signal paths are used to connect DFX regions, then signal transmission between regions is achieved, but resource usage increases and bi-directional communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing resource is designed to serve multiple functions by supporting bidirectional signal transmission. A single routing resource can convey signals from DFX region A to B, and later from B to A, making it universal rather than dedicated to one direction only.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing resource's signal transmission direction is made dynamic rather than fixed. The routing resource can change its signal flow direction based on configuration, allowing the same physical resource to adapt to different communication needs between DFX regions.
2Reliability
If separate unidirectional signal paths are created for each communication direction, then reliable signal transmission is ensured, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate unidirectional signal paths (A→B and B→A) are merged into a single bidirectional routing resource. This combining reduces the total number of routing resources needed while maintaining reliable signal transmission in both directions through time-multiplexed or configuration-based control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional routing resources are allocated for bi-directional communication, then communication flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing resource is designed with universal capability to handle bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated paths. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process and design flow while maintaining communication flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Bi-directional dynamic function exchange (DFX) can include receiving a circuit design for a programmable integrated circuit (IC). The circuit design includes a plurality of DFX partitions coupled by a signal path. The circuit design can be placed using a first plurality of DFX modules for the plurality of DFX partitions, in part, by selecting a flip-flop of a connection block as a boundary flip-flop of the signal path for each DFX module of the plurality of DFX modules. The circuit design including the signal path can be routed through the selected flip-flops of the connection blocks using a bi-directional routing resource coupling the plurality of connection blocks. The bi-directional routing resource is used as a partition pin placement constraint (PPLOC) node for DFX.