CSR Partial Reconfiguration Regions for Faster PLD Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current programmable logic devices (PLDs) face inefficiencies in reconfiguring configuration shift registers, requiring full device reconfiguration and power-down, leading to laborious and time-consuming processes, especially when reconfiguring input-output and peripheral blocks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of partial reconfiguration regions with region enable circuitry and control circuitry allows for selective reconfiguration of configuration shift registers, enabling partial reconfiguration without powering down the device, using global configuration control signals to generate local reconfiguration control signals for efficient CSR data writing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full device reconfiguration is performed to reconfigure configuration shift registers, then reconfiguration completeness is improved, but configuration time increases and system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration shift register is divided into multiple segments, each associated with a specific region of the PLD. Region control circuitry enables selective reconfiguration of individual segments based on which region needs reconfiguration, rather than reconfiguring the entire shift register. This segmentation allows partial reconfiguration to complete the task, reducing configuration time while maintaining reconfiguration completeness for the needed regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete full-device reconfiguration, the system performs only the necessary partial reconfiguration of specific configuration shift register segments corresponding to regions that require reconfiguration. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the reconfiguration goal without the excessive time cost of full reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If full device reconfiguration is performed to reconfigure configuration shift registers, then reconfiguration completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is segmented into region control units, each responsible for a specific region's configuration shift register segment. This modular control structure manages complexity by localizing control functions to specific regions rather than requiring a monolithic control system that manages the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry is designed to perform only the necessary partial control actions for reconfiguring specific regions, avoiding the complexity of controlling full-device reconfiguration. The region control circuitry activates only the segments that need reconfiguration, reducing the complexity burden while achieving complete reconfiguration for needed regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration shift registers are reconfigured during user mode, then adaptability is improved, but configuration stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where configuration shift register segments can be reconfigured during user mode operation. The region control circuitry dynamically activates reconfiguration for specific segments while maintaining stability in other regions, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements without compromising overall configuration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the PLD can have different configuration states - some regions may be reconfigured during user mode while others maintain their stable configuration. This local differentiation allows adaptability in regions that need it while preserving stability in regions that don't require reconfiguration.
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.