CSR Partial Reconfiguration with Region Enable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfiguring partial configuration shift registers in programmable logic devices requires powering down the device, leading to laborious and time-consuming configuration restarts, as existing technologies cannot support partial reconfiguration of IO and peripheral blocks without full device reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The integration of partial reconfiguration regions with region enable circuitry and control circuitry allows selective reconfiguration of configuration shift registers, enabling partial reconfiguration without powering down the device, by using PR circuits to generate local reconfiguration control signals based on global configuration control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partial reconfiguration of configuration shift registers is attempted using existing technologies, then reconfiguration capability is provided, but the device must be powered down causing system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration shift register is divided into multiple segments, each with its own enable circuit. This segmentation allows individual segments to be reconfigured independently without affecting the entire device, enabling partial reconfiguration while the device remains powered on and operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through enable circuits that can selectively activate or deactivate specific configuration shift register segments. This dynamic control mechanism allows the device to transition between different configuration states without requiring a complete power cycle,从而实现 hot reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If full device reconfiguration is performed to reconfigure configuration shift registers, then complete reconfiguration is achieved, but configuration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing a complete full-device reconfiguration, the patent applies partial action by reconfiguring only the specific configuration shift register segments that need to be changed. The enable circuits allow selective activation of only the necessary segments, reducing configuration time while maintaining the reliability of the reconfigured portions.
3Device complexity
If configuration shift registers are reconfigured without region enable circuitry, then simpler structure is maintained, but selective reconfiguration is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The enable circuits act as intermediary components between the configuration data input and the configuration shift register segments. These intermediaries control which segments receive and process configuration data, enabling selective reconfiguration. The added complexity of these intermediary circuits is justified by the significant gain in reconfiguration flexibility and the ability to perform hot reconfiguration.
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.