FPGA Media Access Controller Platform-Dependent Bridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Ethernet Media Access Controllers (EMACs) embedded in programmable logic devices require significant configurable logic cells, making them costly and inefficient in terms of resource utilization, and are not independent of user-designed circuits.

Innovation Solution

A media access controller system is developed with a platform-dependent bridge and host interface circuitry that allows for the selective electrical coupling of processors to a media access controller, reducing the number of configurable logic cells required and ensuring compatibility with IEEE 802.3-2002 specifications, while being independent of user design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a soft EMAC core implementation is used in FPGA programmable circuitry, then Ethernet network functionality is achieved, but the cost in terms of configurable logic cells is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEthernet network functionalityVSAvoidconfigurable logic cells

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EMAC functionality is segmented into two parts: a hardwired EMAC core that handles the Ethernet media access control functions, and a platform-dependent bridge that interfaces with the host processor. This segmentation allows the EMAC core to be implemented using dedicated hardware logic rather than consuming configurable logic cells, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving Ethernet functionality and minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A platform-dependent bridge is introduced as an intermediary component between the hardwired EMAC core and the host processor. This bridge handles the interface and protocol conversion, allowing the EMAC core to operate independently with minimal reliance on configurable logic cells, thus reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining full Ethernet functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple EMACs are integrated within a programmable logic device, then network functionality is enhanced, but resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform-dependent bridge is designed with universal functionality that can support multiple EMAC cores simultaneously. Rather than requiring separate interface logic for each EMAC, the bridge can be configured to work with multiple EMAC instances, thereby enhancing network functionality while maintaining efficient resource utilization through shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple EMAC cores share common resources including the platform-dependent bridge, configuration memory, and control logic. By merging these resources rather than duplicating them for each EMAC instance, the system achieves enhanced network functionality while avoiding the inefficiency of redundant resource allocation, thus improving overall productivity and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an EMAC core is made independent of user design, then compatibility with IEEE 802.3-2002 is ensured, but integration with user circuits becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIEEE 802.3-2002 compatibilityVSAvoidintegration with user circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The platform-dependent bridge serves as an intermediary that handles all interactions between the independent EMAC core and user-designed circuits. The EMAC core maintains strict IEEE 802.3-2002 compliance by not requiring user design modifications, while the bridge provides the necessary interface and adaptation layer that facilitates easy integration with various user circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7484022B1Network media access controller embedded in a programmable logic device—host interface

Publication Date: 2009.01.27 XILINX INC

AI summary

A media access controller system embedded in a programmable logic device is described. A platform dependent bridge for communicating with a first processor, where the platform dependent bridge is associated with a platform of the first processor and where the first processor is embedded in a programmable logic device. Host interface circuitry is coupled to the platform dependent bridge and is configured to provide a processor interface, where the processor interface is for communicating with the first processor via the platform dependent bridge and where the processor interface has a platform independent bus for communication with a second processor. At least one media access controller is coupled to the host interface circuitry.