Configurable Clock Enable and Reset Signal for PLDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic devices (PLDs) face inefficiencies in routing resources and area usage due to the high demand for routing resources, which consume most of the available power and timing budget, and PLB utilization is limited by the cost and area requirements of increasing these resources.
Innovation Solution
A configurable control signal system that allows for selective implementation as a clock enable or reset signal, improving flexibility and efficiency by routing control signals through programmable logic blocks and routing logic, enabling more efficient use of routing resources and reducing the burden on PLBs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If routing resources are increased to improve PLB utilization, then routing capacity is improved, but area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes routing resources multi-functional by enabling control signals to serve dual purposes: as clock enable signals for synchronous operation or as set/reset signals for asynchronous control. This universality allows the same physical routing infrastructure to support multiple operational modes without requiring additional dedicated routing resources, thereby improving PLB utilization while avoiding increased area consumption
2Productivity
If routing resources are increased to improve PLB utilization, then routing capacity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control signal routing infrastructure is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as clock enable paths and set/reset paths. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated routing resources for each function, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high PLB utilization. The same physical resources are shared across multiple functions rather than requiring additional power-hungry dedicated paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated clock enable and set-reset signals are provided to each slice, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate clock enable and set/reset signal paths into a single unified control signal infrastructure. By combining these functions into shared routing resources that can be dynamically configured, the device achieves the same control flexibility as dedicated separate paths while significantly reducing routing complexity and the number of required signal paths
4Productivity
If control signals are routed through routing logic in PLBs, then routing efficiency is improved, but PLB resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing control signals to be routed and configured within the PLB structure itself rather than requiring external routing infrastructure. The PLBs perform their own control signal routing and configuration internally, eliminating the need for separate external routing logic and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high routing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are provided to efficiently implement user designs in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a PLD comprises a plurality of slices. Each slice comprises a plurality a lookup tables (LUT) and flip-flops configured to operate in response to a plurality of control signals. The PLD further comprises routing logic configured to selectively route the control signals to each of the plurality of slices. The control signals comprise at least a signal selectively configurable as a clock enable signal or a local set-reset signal. Additional systems and methods are also provided.