Emulation Chip Selectable Fastpath Topology Design

The patent implements a dynamic fastpath depth selection mechanism where the emulation system can adjust the depth of the fastpath topology during operation. Instead of fixing the depth at design time, the system dynamically determines the appropriate depth based on actual propagation delays and timing requirements, allowing it to adapt to varying operating conditions and temperature variations while maintaining timing constraint compliance.

The patent changes the parameter of fastpath depth from a fixed design-time value to a variable that can be adjusted based on actual performance measurements. By measuring propagation delays and timing violations during emulation, the system modifies the fastpath depth parameter to optimize both speed and timing compliance, transforming a static design parameter into a dynamic operational parameter.

The system dynamically adjusts fastpath depth based on actual timing measurements rather than using a conservative fixed depth. This allows the system to achieve higher speeds when conditions permit while maintaining timing compliance when necessary, optimizing the trade-off between speed and reliability in real-time based on actual operating conditions.

The patent performs preliminary measurements of propagation delays and timing characteristics during the emulation setup phase. Based on these preliminary measurements, the system pre-determines the optimal fastpath depth before actual emulation begins, ensuring both timing compliance and maximum speed are achieved without requiring conservative reductions.

Instead of requiring static redesign of the fastpath topology, the patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that modifies the operational parameters of the existing topology. This allows timing constraints to be met through software-controlled depth selection rather than hardware redesign, significantly reducing development costs and time while maintaining timing compliance.

The patent resolves timing issues by changing operational parameters (fastpath depth selection) rather than modifying the physical topology. This parameter-based approach allows the same hardware design to adapt to different timing requirements without redesign, eliminating costly iterative redesign cycles while ensuring timing constraint compliance.

The patent transforms the static fastpath depth configuration into a dynamic, adjustable parameter. Instead of requiring correct prediction at design time, the system measures actual performance and adjusts the depth accordingly during operation. This eliminates the need for complex iterative redesign while optimizing emulation performance based on actual conditions.

The system performs preliminary performance measurements and characterization during the setup phase, using these measurements to determine the optimal fastpath depth before production emulation begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for redesign by establishing the correct configuration early, based on actual measured performance rather than theoretical predictions.