Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration Controller for Programmable Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools lack user-level management capabilities for dynamic partial reconfiguration of programmable logic integrated circuits, limiting end-users' ability to initiate and manage reconfiguration of applications while they are running, as they rely on designer-specific implementations and require access to original design information and skills.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows dynamic reconfiguration of programmable ICs through a reconfiguration controller, which selects and replaces modules based on user input, determining compatibility using metadata to generate configuration data for partial reconfiguration, enabling users to specify replacement modules and manage reconfiguration without requiring original design information or skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If designer-specific implementation with predefined macros is used, then reconfiguration capability is provided, but user-level management capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reconfiguration controller as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the complex reconfiguration process. This controller automatically manages module selection, compatibility verification, and configuration data generation, allowing users to initiate reconfiguration without needing deep design knowledge while maintaining full reconfiguration capability through the intermediary's automated management of the underlying complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration by allowing users to directly specify replacement modules and manage the reconfiguration process without requiring access to original design information or specialized skills. The reconfiguration controller automatically handles all technical aspects including compatibility checking and configuration generation, making the system serve itself rather than requiring expert user intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If original design information is required for reconfiguration, then design precision is maintained, but accessibility to reconfiguration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration controller acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the relationship between design specifications and reconfiguration operations. It maintains design precision by automatically verifying interface compatibility and generating appropriate configuration data, while simultaneously improving accessibility by eliminating the requirement for users to possess or access original design information
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and uses copies of interface compatibility information and module specifications stored in metadata. Instead of requiring users to access original design information, the reconfiguration controller uses these copied metadata representations to verify compatibility and generate configuration data, thereby maintaining design precision through accurate metadata while making reconfiguration accessible to any user
3Manufacturing precision
If interface compatibility is manually verified, then reconfiguration accuracy is ensured, but reconfiguration time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing interface compatibility information in metadata during the design phase. The reconfiguration controller then uses this pre-prepared metadata to automatically verify compatibility between replacement modules and existing interfaces, ensuring reconfiguration accuracy through pre-validated information while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual verification
4Device complexity
If designer-specific tools are used, then design control is maintained, but user flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration controller provides universal functionality that serves both designers and end-users. It maintains design control through automated compatibility verification and metadata management while simultaneously providing user flexibility by allowing any user to specify and implement module replacements. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate designer-specific tools while preserving design integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for dynamically reconfiguring a programmable integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. In response to user input to a reconfiguration controller while a circuit is operating in programmable resources of the programmable IC, a replacement module and a module to be replaced in the circuit are selected. A process determines whether or not interfaces of the replacement module are compatible with interfaces of the circuit to the module to be replaced. In response to the interfaces of the replacement module and the interfaces of the circuit to the module to be replaced being compatible, the programmable IC is partially reconfigured with a realization of the replacement module in place of a realization of the module to be replaced.