Boot ROM Configuration for Faster SOC Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the complexity of system designs on System on a Chip (SOC) increases, the size of the boot image and the time required to retrieve and load the boot image also increases, leading to prolonged boot times, especially when the communication interface needs to be reconfigured and retrained for the new configuration settings after boot image retrieval.
Innovation Solution
The method involves executing boot ROM code on the processor to determine and configure the communication circuit settings before receiving and executing the boot image, allowing the SOC to implement the system design without the need for reconfiguration or retraining of the communication interface, thereby reducing boot time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the communication interface is reconfigured and retrained after boot image retrieval, then the system can adapt to new configuration settings, but the boot time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and configuring the communication circuit settings before receiving the boot image. The processor circuit executes boot ROM code to determine configuration settings used by the system design, configures the communication circuit accordingly, and only then receives the boot image. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for post-retrieval reconfiguration and retraining, directly resolving the contradiction by preparing the communication interface in advance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boot image size increases to support complex system designs, then the system functionality is improved, but the time to retrieve and load the boot image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces boot image loading time through preliminary action by configuring the communication circuit before boot image retrieval. The processor circuit determines configuration settings from the system design, configures the communication circuit with these settings, and then retrieves the boot image using the pre-configured interface. This eliminates post-retrieval configuration delays, allowing faster loading even for larger, more complex boot images.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and circuits are disclosed for configuring an integrated circuit (IC) to implement a system design. In an example implementation, boot ROM code is executed on the processor circuit. The execution of the boot ROM code causes the processor circuit to determine settings used by the system design for communicating data via a communication circuit on the IC. The communication circuit is configured by the processor circuit according to the determined settings. In response to receiving one or more boot images by the processor circuit, via the configured communication circuit configured according to the determined settings, boot images are executed by the processor circuit. The execution of the boot images causes the processor circuit to configure the IC to implement the system design. During operation of the system design on the IC, data is communicated via the communication circuit configured according to the determined settings.