Customizable CSR Block for IP Reducing Logic Element Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration and status register (CSR) blocks for intellectual property (IP) blocks on programmable logic devices are often as large as the IP blocks themselves, as they provide all available runtime features, leading to redundancy since only a portion of these features are typically used by users.
Innovation Solution
A customizable CSR is generated using a computer-aided design (CAD) tool, which receives user-selected runtime features and creates a consolidated CSR block, omitting unused features to reduce size, thereby only including registers necessary for user-intended runtime features and status reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard CSR block providing all available runtime features is used, then the IP block can access all runtime features, but the CSR block size becomes as large as the IP block itself, leading to redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary runtime features that users actually need from the complete set of available features. The CSR block is configured to include only those specific features, removing unnecessary portions. This is achieved through a configuration mechanism that allows users to select and specify which runtime features should be included in the CSR block, thereby reducing its size while maintaining functionality for required features.
2Reliability
If a CSR block includes all available runtime features, then no features are missing, but only a portion of these features are used by users, making the remaining portions redundant
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing all available runtime features (excessive action), the patent implements a mechanism where users can specify exactly which features they need (partial action). The CSR block is configured to include only the selected features, avoiding the waste of resources on unused features while ensuring that all required features are present. This partial configuration approach eliminates redundancy without compromising the reliability of needed functionality.
3Productivity
If a customizable CSR block is generated omitting unused features, then resource usage is optimized, but the CSR block must be generated dynamically using CAD tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the CSR configuration action in advance during the design phase using CAD tools. Users specify which runtime features are needed before the IP block is instantiated. The CAD tool then generates the appropriately configured CSR block beforehand, so that when the IP block is deployed, it already has the optimal CSR configuration. This preliminary configuration action eliminates the need for runtime adjustments and simplifies the overall process despite the initial setup complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating configuration information using a computer aided design (CAD) tool includes a step to receive an intellectual property block. The method also includes a step to receive a configuration and status register (CSR) data file. The configuration and status register data file includes a user selected portion of runtime features from all of the available runtime features of the intellectual property block. The method may also include a step to receive an additional intellectual property block and an additional configuration and status register data file. Based on the two intellectual property blocks and the configuration and status register data files, a consolidated configuration and status register block may be formed. These intellectual property block(s) and configuration status register block(s) are formed on an integrated circuit device.