Distributed Function Block Reconfiguration via Local PCSR Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit devices face challenges in efficient configuration and reconfiguration due to the need for large and memory/compute-intensive software to manage global control signals, especially when dealing with tens of thousands of independent functional blocks, which requires significant resources and time.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that utilize a processing system, peripheral interface bus, and function blocks with programming registers and control registers to configure and reconfigure integrated circuit devices, allowing for local control and partial reconfiguration without requiring device-wide knowledge, using a distributed configuration memory array and Programming Control and Status Register (PCSR) infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If global control signals with central controller are used to manage reconfiguration, then device-wide configuration control is achieved, but software size and memory/compute requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monolithic global control system into distributed function block control units. Each function block has its own control unit that can be independently configured, eliminating the need for centralized software to manage every detail. This segmentation reduces software complexity while maintaining reconfiguration capability across the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local control where each function block's control unit operates autonomously with its own configuration memory and control signals. This local quality approach allows each block to be configured independently without requiring global software intervention, significantly reducing the memory and compute requirements of the configuration software.
2Reliability
If global snapshot of GSC bit state is maintained for partial reconfiguration, then reconfiguration tracking is accurate, but memory and compute requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining a single global snapshot of all GSC bits, the patent segments the tracking into individual function block control units. Each control unit maintains its own state information locally, eliminating the need for large global snapshot data structures and reducing memory requirements while preserving reconfiguration tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each function block control unit autonomously tracks its own configuration state without requiring external software to maintain global snapshots. This self-service approach allows each block to manage its own reconfiguration state, reducing the overall memory and compute burden on the system.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional configuration software is used for large reconfigurable devices, then complete device programming is achieved, but configuration time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into independent function block operations. Each control unit can be configured and programmed independently through the interconnect fabric, allowing parallel configuration operations rather than sequential processing. This maintains programming completeness while dramatically reducing total configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where function blocks can be pre-programmed and tested independently before being integrated into the final device configuration. This preliminary action allows configuration software to work on smaller, manageable blocks rather than the entire device at once, reducing overall configuration time while ensuring programming completeness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tens of thousands of independent functional blocks are managed with global control, then device functionality is comprehensive, but control signal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control infrastructure into distributed function block control units, each managing its own subset of functionality. This segmentation allows comprehensive device functionality to be achieved through many small, independent control units rather than one complex global control system, reducing the overall control signal infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal control units that can manage multiple function blocks through the interconnect fabric. Each control unit is designed to be multi-functional, capable of configuring different types of function blocks without requiring dedicated control logic for each block type. This universality reduces control signal complexity while maintaining comprehensive device functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for configuring function blocks of an integrated circuit device is described. The circuit comprises a processing system; a peripheral interface bus coupled to the processing system; and a function block coupled to the peripheral interface bus, the function block having programming registers and a function block core; wherein the programming registers store data determining a functionality of the function block core and comprise programming control registers enabling a configuration of the function block core using the data. A method of configuring function blocks of an integrated circuit device is also described.