Embedded FPGA Logic for IC Interface Protocol Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuits face challenges in adapting to changing standards and protocols, leading to increased costs and incompatibility issues when upgrading from older universal interface blocks (UIB1) to newer ones (UIB2), and varying functional requirements across different devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating embedded field programmable gate array (FPGA) logic within integrated circuits to enhance functionality by programming data/address manipulation, configuration/testing, and computational functions, enabling interface protocol conversion and compatibility with different technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If integrated circuits are redesigned to utilize newer universal interface blocks (UIB2), then compatibility with newer standards is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with newer standardsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the integrated circuit with a programmable logic unit that can be configured to support multiple interface block versions (UIB1, UIB2, etc.). This allows a single hardware design to serve multiple functions and remain compatible with different standards without requiring separate redesigns for each interface version, thereby maintaining production cost efficiency while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through the use of programmable logic that can be dynamically reconfigured via configuration data stored in memory. This allows the interface block functionality to change adaptively based on the required standard, enabling the circuit to transition between different interface versions without physical redesign, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire integrated circuit is redesigned to meet specific functional requirements, then functionality is improved, but development cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidredesign effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the integrated circuit into distinct functional modules: a base circuit portion and a programmable logic unit. The programmable logic unit can be independently configured to meet specific functional requirements without affecting the base circuit. This modular approach allows customization for different applications while reusing the same base design, thereby reducing overall device complexity and redesign effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the programmable logic unit with configuration data that defines its functionality. This configuration data can be programmed during manufacturing or later updated, allowing the circuit to be adapted to specific functional requirements without requiring complete redesign. The base circuit is designed in advance to accommodate various programmable logic configurations, reducing future development effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If integrated circuits use fixed functionality, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to changing standards deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidadaptability to standards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the programmable logic unit - that acts as a mediator between the fixed base circuit and the varying interface standards. This programmable logic can be configured to translate between different standards and protocols, allowing the fixed base circuit to communicate with various newer standards without requiring changes to the base design. This intermediary approach maintains manufacturing cost efficiency while providing adaptability to changing standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3002877B1Integrated circuit device with embedded programmable logic

Publication Date: 2024.05.08 ALTERA CORP

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AI summary

Systems (10) and methods are provided to enhance the functionality of an integrated circuit (14). Such an integrated circuit (14) may include a primary circuitry (18) and an embedded programmable logic (16) programmable to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry. Specifically, the embedded programmable logic (16) may be programmed to adjust the functionality of the primary circuitry to complement and/or support the functionality of another integrated circuit (12). Accordingly, the embedded programmable logic may be programmed with functions such as data/address manipulation functions, configuration/testing functions, computational functions, or the like.