CSR Partial Reconfiguration Circuit for On-the-Fly PLD Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfiguring partial configuration shift registers in programmable logic devices (PLDs) requires powering down the device, leading to laborious and time-consuming configuration restarts, as existing methods cannot perform partial reconfigurations without full device reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a partial reconfiguration circuit with region enable and control circuitry allows for selective enabling and reconfiguration of configuration shift register (CSR) partial reconfiguration regions, enabling partial reconfiguration without powering down the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partial reconfiguration of configuration shift registers is attempted using existing methods, then reconfiguration capability is provided, but the device must be powered down causing laborious and time-consuming configuration restarts
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration shift register is divided into multiple independently reconfigurable segments or regions. Each segment can be reconfigured separately without affecting other segments, allowing partial reconfiguration to proceed without powering down the entire device. This segmentation enables the system to maintain operational regions while reconfiguring specific portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring full device reconfiguration, the system performs only the necessary partial reconfiguration of specific configuration shift register regions. This partial action approach reconfigures only the affected segments while leaving the rest of the device operational, thereby eliminating the need for complete configuration restarts and reducing downtime.
2Reliability
If full device reconfiguration is performed to reconfigure configuration shift registers, then complete reconfiguration is achieved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration shift register is divided into multiple independently reconfigurable segments or regions. Each segment can be reconfigured separately without affecting other segments, allowing partial reconfiguration to proceed without powering down the entire device. This segmentation enables the system to maintain operational regions while reconfiguring specific portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by keeping non-reconfigured regions active during the reconfiguration process. Configuration data is loaded and applied to specific segments without interrupting the overall device operation, ensuring that useful actions continue uninterrupted while reconfiguration takes place in background or parallel fashion.
3Device complexity
If configuration shift registers are reconfigured without region enable circuitry, then simpler structure is achieved, but selective reconfiguration without power down is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Region enable circuitry and control logic are pre-integrated into the configuration shift register structure to facilitate future partial reconfiguration operations. These preliminary structural elements are prepared in advance, allowing the system to quickly transition to partial reconfiguration mode without requiring complex runtime decisions or additional power management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Region enable circuitry acts as an intermediary between the configuration data input and the configuration shift register segments. This intermediary selectively gates configuration data to specific regions based on enable signals, allowing controlled partial reconfiguration without requiring complete device reconfiguration or power cycling. The enable circuitry mediates the reconfiguration process to minimize disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit for configuring and reconfiguring a configuration shift register (CSR) partial reconfiguration region is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a CSR chain that is partitioned into a group of CSR partial reconfiguration regions. A multiplexer circuit is added to the end of each PR region to allow the PR region to be bypassed or connected to the next PR region. Each PR region is connected to a PR circuit that facilitates the CSR configuration of the respective PR region. The PR circuit includes region enable circuitry and region control circuitry. Region enable circuitry enables the configuration of the CSR PR region. Region control circuitry generates local reconfiguration control signals to control the configuration operation of the enabled CSR PR region.