CSR Partial Reconfiguration for Faster PLD Register Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of configuration shift registers in programmable logic devices (PLDs) requires a full device reconfiguration, leading to laborious and time-consuming processes, as partial reconfiguration of these registers necessitates powering down the device, which restarts the configuration from the beginning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible CSR configuration mechanism that partitions the CSR chain into partial reconfiguration regions, each connected to a partial reconfiguration circuit with region enable and control circuitry, allowing selective reconfiguration without powering down the device, enabling both full and partial CSR configurations during device configuration and user mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full device configuration is performed to configure the configuration shift registers, then the configuration is complete and reliable, but the configuration time is excessive and system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration shift register chain is divided into multiple separable blocks, each with its own control logic. This segmentation allows selective configuration of individual blocks rather than requiring full chain configuration, directly reducing configuration time while maintaining reliability of configured portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial configuration action by enabling configuration of only the necessary CSR blocks based on operational needs. The control circuitry selectively activates configuration for specific blocks rather than forcing complete chain configuration, achieving sufficient functionality with reduced time investment.
2Loss of time
If partial reconfiguration of the configuration shift register is attempted, then configuration time is reduced, but the device must be powered down causing configuration to restart from beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the CSR chain structure in advance with block separation and control logic embedded during manufacturing. This preliminary structuring enables hot-swappable configuration of individual blocks without requiring full device power cycle, allowing seamless partial reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry dynamically adjusts configuration operations based on real-time requirements. Individual CSR blocks can be independently enabled or disabled during operation, allowing the system to adapt configuration scope without restarting the entire device, thus maintaining operational continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration shift register chain is partitioned into partial reconfiguration regions, then selective reconfiguration is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both full-chain and partial-block configuration operations. The same control logic manages individual block configuration, inter-block connections, and full-chain configuration, reducing the need for separate dedicated circuits and minimizing overall complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for individual CSR blocks into a unified control circuitry structure. Rather than implementing separate control logic for each block, the system combines control functions that can selectively activate different blocks, achieving reconfiguration flexibility without proportionally increasing control circuit complexity.
Data Source
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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.