DSP Circuit Redundancy Bypassing Defective Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits with multiple DSP blocks face challenges in performing complex operations due to potential manufacturing defects, which can render partial circuits unusable, making it difficult to stitch together DSP blocks effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating routing circuitry with redundancy capabilities that allows signals to bypass defective DSP blocks, enabling seamless interconnection and operation between adjacent blocks, thereby ensuring that even partially defective circuits can still perform complex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If DSP blocks are sized to fit within row boundaries of other circuitry, then integration with other circuitry is improved, but the ability to perform complex DSP functions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple DSP blocks to be stitched together to form larger DSP functions. The routing circuitry allows outputs from one DSP block to be connected to inputs of another DSP block, effectively merging their computational capabilities. This resolves the contradiction by allowing small, integration-friendly blocks to collectively perform complex functions that would otherwise require a single large block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments DSP functionality into multiple smaller blocks that can be independently sized to fit row boundaries. Each block contains complete DSP functionality (multipliers, adders, routing), allowing them to be distributed across the circuitry grid. This segmentation enables both tight integration with other circuitry and the ability to reconstruct complex functions by combining segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DSP blocks are stitched together to perform larger DSP functions, then DSP function complexity is improved, but the impact of manufacturing defects is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through routing circuitry that can adaptively connect DSP blocks based on which blocks are functional. If a block is defective, the routing circuitry dynamically reroutes signals through alternative blocks, changing the operational topology in real-time. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability while preserving the ability to perform complex functions through the remaining healthy blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the DSP system by allowing the active set of DSP blocks to vary based on defect patterns. The routing circuitry enables the system to reconfigure which blocks are active and how they are interconnected, effectively changing the system's functional architecture to bypass defective components while maintaining complex DSP capabilities through the remaining blocks.
3Reliability
If redundancy capability is added to routing circuitry, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing routing circuitry that handles both normal operation and defect bypassing through the same hardware structures. The multiplexers and routing logic serve dual purposes: connecting blocks in standard configurations during normal operation and dynamically reconfiguring to bypass defective blocks when needed. This multi-functionality provides redundancy without requiring separate dedicated bypass circuitry, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Digital signal processing (“DSP”) circuit blocks are provided that can more easily work together to perform larger (e.g., more complex and/or more arithmetically precise) DSP operations if desired. These DSP blocks may also include redundancy circuitry that facilitates stitching together multiple such blocks despite an inability to use some block (e.g., because of a circuit defect).