Configurable Signal Processing Accelerator Array for FPGA Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in FPGA architectures is the inefficiency and cost-ineffectiveness of adding specialized blocks, as they often go unused by some users and require a large family of FPGA variations, with the choice of blocks being determined too late in the design process, leading to wasted resources and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid architecture that includes a separate array of signal processing accelerators (SPAs) connected to a field programmable gate array (FPGA) via a network of nodes, allowing for dynamic configuration and efficient routing of signals, enabling the SPA network to implement multiple functions and reduce communication bandwidth with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If specialized blocks are added to FPGA architectures, then performance of specific functions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified array of signal processing accelerators that can be dynamically configured to perform multiple different functions. Instead of having dedicated specialized blocks for each function, the system uses a single array of accelerators that can be programmed to implement various signal processing operations such as FIR filters, digital pre-distortion, and other functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the array of signal processing accelerators can be reprogrammed at runtime to adapt to different functional requirements. This dynamic nature allows the same hardware resources to serve multiple purposes, avoiding the need for fixed specialized blocks for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If specialized blocks are added to FPGA architectures, then performance of specific functions is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified array of signal processing accelerators that can be dynamically configured to perform multiple different functions. Instead of having dedicated specialized blocks for each function, the system uses a single array of accelerators that can be programmed to implement various signal processing operations such as FIR filters, digital pre-distortion, and other functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the signal processing accelerators through programming and configuration to adapt to different functional requirements. By modifying configuration parameters rather than changing the physical hardware structure, the system can implement different functions using the same hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a family of FPGA variations is created to include different specialized blocks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified array of signal processing accelerators that can be dynamically configured to perform multiple different functions. Instead of having dedicated specialized blocks for each function, the system uses a single array of accelerators that can be programmed to implement various signal processing operations such as FIR filters, digital pre-distortion, and other functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the array of signal processing accelerators can be reprogrammed at runtime to adapt to different functional requirements. This dynamic nature allows the same hardware resources to serve multiple purposes, avoiding the need for fixed specialized blocks for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If specialized blocks are added to FPGA architectures, then performance of specific functions is improved, but area is wasted when blocks are not used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified array of signal processing accelerators that can be dynamically configured to perform multiple different functions. Instead of having dedicated specialized blocks for each function, the system uses a single array of accelerators that can be programmed to implement various signal processing operations such as FIR filters, digital pre-distortion, and other functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the array of signal processing accelerators can be reprogrammed at runtime to adapt to different functional requirements. This dynamic nature allows the same hardware resources to serve multiple purposes, avoiding the need for fixed specialized blocks for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for configuring a SPA are disclosed. The SPA comprises a plurality of input ports, a plurality of data memory units, signal processing circuitry, and an enable block including at least two counters. Each counter determines an amount of unprocessed data that is stored in a respective one of the plurality of data memory units, and the enable block is configured to disable the signal processing circuitry until a predetermined amount of data is received over the input ports.