Configurable FPGA Fabric-to-Hard IP Interface for Protocol Mapping

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) lack efficient mechanisms for flexible and high-performance communication between programmable logic fabric and hardened circuitry, which operate in different clock domains and require adaptable interfaces to support various protocols and use models.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a configurable interface circuit within FPGAs that couples programmable logic fabric to hardened circuitry, utilizing interface blocks such as command, data, write response, and status interfaces to facilitate bi-directional communication and protocol mapping, enabling flexible and efficient data transfer across different clock frequencies and protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed interface structure is used between FPGA fabric and hardened circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different protocols and clock domains is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol adaptabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit is designed as a configurable structure that can be dynamically programmed to support different protocols and communication modes. The logic circuitry can be configured through programming to adapt to various protocol requirements, allowing the same physical interface to serve multiple protocol functions without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit is designed as a universal multi-functional block that can handle multiple protocols and communication scenarios. By integrating programmable logic with configurable interface circuits, a single interface structure can perform multiple functions including different protocol mappings, clock domain crossings, and data transfer modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If protocol-specific dedicated interfaces are implemented, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and area utilization are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidinterface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit is designed as a universal multi-functional block that can handle multiple protocols and communication scenarios. By integrating programmable logic with configurable interface circuits, a single interface structure can perform multiple functions including different protocol mappings, clock domain crossings, and data transfer modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple protocol-specific interface functions are merged into a single configurable interface circuit. The programmable logic fabric is combined with the interface circuitry to create an integrated structure that can be programmed to implement different protocols, thereby reducing the total area required compared to having separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If simple interface circuits are used between FPGA fabric and hardened circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but communication performance and efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinterface circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface circuit allows configuration of various parameters including data width, clock domain relationships, and protocol-specific timing parameters. This configurability enables the interface to be optimized for different performance requirements, allowing high-speed data transfer when needed while maintaining the ability to use simpler configurations for less demanding applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The interface circuit is designed as a configurable structure that can be dynamically programmed to support different protocols and communication modes. The logic circuitry can be configured through programming to adapt to various protocol requirements, allowing the same physical interface to serve multiple protocol functions without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9537488B1Apparatus for configurable interface and associated methods

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

An field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes a circuit implemented using the FPGA fabric. The FPGA further includes another circuit implemented as hardened circuitry. The FPGA also includes a configurable interface circuit that is adapted to couple together the two circuits.