Emulating Logic Blocks in IC Design Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable logic devices (PLDs) face limitations in migrating circuit designs between different IC devices due to the requirement for 1-to-1 block mapping, restricting flexibility as some devices lack specific logic blocks like OTP fuse blocks.
Innovation Solution
Emulating logic blocks on an IC device using available resources, such as connecting smaller logic elements to form functionally equivalent blocks, allowing designs to be migrated without strict 1-to-1 block mapping, enabling emulation of non-existent blocks like OTP fuse blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 1-to-1 block mapping is enforced during IC design migration, then functional equivalence between devices is preserved, but device flexibility and compatibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a logic block into multiple smaller logic elements that can be individually configured and connected. Instead of requiring a complete logic block to exist on the target device, the design tool identifies and maps individual logic elements (such as LUTs, flip-flops, and multiplexers) to reconstruct the functionality of the original logic block on the target device, even if the target device lacks an identical logic block structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables universal logic elements to perform multiple functions. Basic logic elements like lookup tables (LUTs) and multiplexers are configured to emulate various specialized logic blocks (such as OTP fuse blocks, DSP blocks, or memory blocks) depending on the design requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single target device architecture to support diverse logic block types through configuration rather than physical instantiation.
2Manufacturing precision
If device-specific logic blocks are required for design migration, then functional precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture and device selection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates functional copies of logic blocks using available resources on the target device. Instead of requiring the target device to have identical physical logic blocks, the design tool generates a configuration that copies the functionality of the source logic block using combinations of standard logic elements. This copying approach maintains functional precision while enabling migration to devices with different physical architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the implementation parameters of logic blocks during migration. Logic blocks are represented by configurable parameters (such as truth tables for LUTs, initialization values for flip-flops, and selection logic for multiplexers) that can be adjusted to match the desired functionality. By modifying these parameters rather than requiring identical physical structures, the tool achieves functional equivalence across different device types.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for emulating a logic block in an integrated circuit (IC) design are provided. The techniques include identifying a plurality of logic elements that are connectable to formal logic block. These logic elements are connected to perform logic functions associated with the logic block. The logic block may be a physical logic block on one IC design and a non-existent logic block on another IC design. The logic elements and associated connections form an emulated logic block.