FPGA Configuration Circuit with Redundant Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Master-slave mode FPGA architectures are limited in configuration flexibility and resilience, as they rely on a single method of reading configuration files from storage devices, leading to system failure if either the firmware or loadware storage device fails.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an FPGA configuration circuit with multiple FPGA modules connected to multiple storage devices, allowing for selection between different storage devices containing configuration files in various formats, enabling flexible configuration and backup redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a master-slave mode FPGA architecture reads configuration files from a centralized storage device, then the configuration process is simplified, but the system reliability deteriorates because a single point of failure can prevent any configuration from being read
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the centralized storage system into multiple independent storage devices (first storage device for firmware, second storage device for loadware). Each storage device can be independently accessed, eliminating the single point of failure problem while maintaining configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the storage architecture from a single centralized storage device to multiple storage devices with different storage modes (firmware and loadware). This parameter change in the storage system structure enables both simplified configuration processes and improved reliability through redundancy.
2Ease of operation
If the master FPGA module only attempts to read loadware configuration files first, then the configuration process follows a fixed sequence, but the configuration flexibility deteriorates because alternative configuration methods cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the configuration process dynamic by allowing selection between different storage devices and configuration file types (firmware or loadware) based on system needs. The master FPGA module can adaptively choose which storage device to access and which configuration mode to use, providing both simplicity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention gives the master FPGA module multiple functions by enabling it to read configuration files from either the first storage device (firmware) or the second storage device (loadware). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simple operation sequences while adapting to different configuration requirements and storage device states.
Data Source
AI summary
In a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration circuit, and a radio-frequency unit and a magnetic resonance system having a configuration circuit, the configuration circuit has at least two FPGA modules, each FPGA module being individually connected to a bus; at least two storage devices, each storage device storing a configuration file; one of the at least two FPGA modules being connected to the at least two storage devices separately, and an input end, connected separately to the at least two storage devices. A selection signal is provided for selecting one of the at least two storage devices. The FPGA module connected to the at least two storage devices reads a configuration file stored in a storage device selected on the basis of the selection signal, and sends, via the bus, the configuration file that has been read to the FPGA module other than the FPGA module connected to the at least two storage devices.