Dynamic Port Provisioning in Programmable Logic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) struggle to simultaneously configure Multi-Gigabit Transceivers (MGTs) and programmable logic resources to meet the requirements of all communication layers, preventing dynamic port provisioning in communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically configuring MGT physical layer attributes and corresponding higher-level protocol attributes on programmable logic resources, allowing for independent port provisioning by initially configuring MGTs and reconfiguring resources while maintaining active communication with other ports, enabling dynamic port provisioning without affecting other channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MGTs and programmable logic resources are configured simultaneously to meet communication layer requirements, then communication protocol compliance is improved, but device reconfiguration flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol complianceVSAvoidport reconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into separate stages: physical layer configuration for MGTs is separated from higher-layer protocol configuration for programmable logic resources. This allows independent configuration and reconfiguration of each layer without requiring simultaneous coordination, thereby improving reconfiguration flexibility while maintaining protocol compliance through staged validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the PLD can transition between different communication protocols and configurations during runtime. The system maintains active communication channels while reconfiguring other ports, enabling adaptive port provisioning that responds to changing communication requirements without compromising existing protocol compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If all communication ports are configured for simultaneous operation, then communication coverage is improved, but reconfiguration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial reconfiguration by allowing only the necessary subset of ports to be reconfigured at any given time, rather than requiring all ports to be reconfigured simultaneously. This selective approach maintains communication coverage across all ports while minimizing reconfiguration time by focusing resources on specific ports that require changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration where port configurations are prepared and validated before activation. Configuration data is pre-processed and staged, allowing rapid switching between configurations without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration of all communication channels, thus reducing overall reconfiguration time while maintaining full communication coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If MGT attributes are reconfigured relative to initial configuration, then physical layer adaptability is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical layer adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal configuration interface that handles multiple physical layer attributes (data rate, voltage swing, encoding) through a single standardized configuration mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the same configuration infrastructure to manage diverse MGT attributes, improving physical layer adaptability while reducing configuration complexity by eliminating the need for separate configuration paths for each attribute type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7598768B1Method and apparatus for dynamic port provisioning within a programmable logic device

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 XILINX INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus to allow dynamic port provisioning of communication ports within a Programmable Logic Device (PLD). The dynamic port provisioning combines configuration of serial Input/Output (I/O) devices with simultaneous reconfiguration of a portion of programmable logic resources within the PLD and processor functions to implement a particular communication protocol. The dynamic port provisioning is facilitated for a single channel, without affecting the dynamic port provisioning of other communication channels operating within the PLD.