FPGA Dynamic Reconfiguration via Application Store Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current FPGA image update processes are complex and inefficient, requiring users to contact multiple manufacturers for heterogeneous FPGAs, lacking an ecosystem for developers to share, sell, or host FPGA images, and requiring manual upgrades that do not align with the familiar software 'application store' model.
Innovation Solution
An application store model is introduced for dynamic reconfiguration of FPGAs, allowing users to select and install FPGA image updates as 'in-app' purchases, with a license manager for licensing and a manageability engine for secure, runtime installation and discovery of updates, enabling FPGAs to be packaged as 'installable', 'bootable', and 'callable' objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual FPGA image update processes are used, then users can update FPGA functionality, but the process becomes complex and inefficient requiring contact with multiple manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application store as an intermediary platform that mediates between FPGA manufacturers and users. This single intermediary consolidates multiple manufacturer interfaces into one unified system, allowing users to discover, evaluate, and install FPGA image updates without contacting multiple manufacturers separately, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining update capability
Solution Approach 2:
The application store serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a repository for FPGA images, an evaluation platform for assessing update impacts, a licensing system for managing updates, and an installation mechanism for deploying updates. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, improving productivity while managing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional FPGA update methods are used, then functionality can be upgraded, but there is no ecosystem for developers to share, sell, or host FPGA images
Solution Approach 1:
The application store enables developers to independently upload, host, and manage their own FPGA images on the platform. This self-service capability allows developers to contribute to the ecosystem without requiring manual intervention from system administrators or manufacturers, thereby increasing the quantity of available FPGA images while enhancing ecosystem adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional linear update process into a multi-dimensional ecosystem by adding layers for developer contribution, user evaluation, licensing management, and community sharing. This dimensional expansion creates a rich ecosystem where FPGA images can be discovered, evaluated, and installed through multiple pathways, increasing both ecosystem versatility and image availability
3Adaptability or versatility
If FPGA reconfiguration is performed traditionally, then functionality can be changed, but reboot is required which causes system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The application store performs preliminary evaluation and validation of FPGA image updates before installation. The system assesses potential updates, checks compatibility, and prepares installation packages in advance, so that when an update is selected, it can be installed and applied immediately without requiring system reboot, thus maintaining reconfiguration capability while eliminating downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration where FPGA images can be loaded and applied at runtime without system shutdown. The application store manages the dynamic installation process, allowing the FPGA to transition between configuration states while the system remains operational, thereby preserving adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with reboots
4Reliability
If FPGA updates are managed manually, then control over installation is maintained, but secure runtime installation and discovery cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The application store implements feedback mechanisms where each FPGA image update is evaluated for security, compatibility, and impact before being made available for installation. The system provides feedback to users about update safety, licensing requirements, and potential system impacts, enabling secure runtime installation while maintaining ease of operation through automated security checks and guided installation processes
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device, computer-readable medium, and method are provided to dynamically configure an FPGA of a computing device at runtime without rebooting the computing device. At least one upgradable capability of the FPGA is displayed to a user. The user selects an upgradable capability of the FPGA and accepts a license to enable the selected upgradable capability. An update to a reconfigurable FPGA image associated with the FPGA is obtained in response to issuance of the license. The update to the reconfigurable FPGA image is installed on the FPGA to enable the selected upgradable capability of the FPGA. An operating system of the computing device is notified of the update to the reconfigurable FPGA image at runtime, and the operating system exposes the selected upgradable capability of the FPGA to at least one component of a software stack managed by the operating system.