Configurable IC Multiplexers With Dynamic Select and XOR Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configurable integrated circuits (ICs), such as FPGAs, lack robust multiplexer functionality as their select lines are typically tied to memory cells, limiting their ability to be controlled by internally computed signals, restricting their application to only those that do not require signal-based multiplexing choices.
Innovation Solution
A configurable IC design that includes a set of multiplexers with permanently inverting input terminals, allowing them to perform XOR functions and their equivalents, and hybrid interconnect/logic circuits that can operate as either interconnects or logic circuits based on configuration data and user signals, enabling more flexible and adaptive functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiplexer select lines are tied to memory cells storing configuration data, then the IC structure is simple and configuration is easy, but the multiplexer cannot be controlled by internally computed signals, limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multiplexer select lines dynamic by allowing them to be controlled by both configuration data from memory cells and internally computed signals from logic circuits. This dynamic control mechanism enables the multiplexer to adapt its selection based on real-time computational results, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multiplexer control system that can accept multiple types of control inputs (configuration data and internal signals) and route them appropriately. This multi-functional control interface allows the same multiplexer structure to serve both traditional configuration purposes and advanced signal-based multiplexing, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiplexers are limited to configuration data control, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control mechanism into two independent parts: configuration data control paths and internal signal control paths. Each path can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to maintain simple configuration-based control when needed while enabling complex signal-based multiplexing when required, thus expanding application range without forcing increased complexity in all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter of the multiplexer from solely configuration data to a combination of configuration data and internal signals. This parameter change enables the multiplexer to adapt to different applications by selecting appropriate control inputs based on the operational requirements, thereby expanding versatility while managing complexity through selective activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permanently inverting input terminals are added to multiplexers, then XOR functions and equivalents can be performed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the permanently inverting input terminal with the existing multiplexer structure, creating an integrated circuit that performs both multiplexing and XOR functions in a single unified component. This merging approach allows the circuit to perform XOR functions and their equivalents without requiring separate dedicated circuits, thereby increasing functionality while minimizing the actual increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The configurable IC includes a set of multiplexers that each has a set of input terminals, a set of output terminals, and a set of select terminals. The set of multiplexers includes a group of multiplexers, where at least one input terminal of each multiplexer in the group is a permanently inverting input terminal. During at least a set of cycles during the operation of the configurable IC, several multiplexers in the group of multiplexers are used to implement a particular function.