FPGA Instrumentation Logic for Circuit Visibility and Faster Debugging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The visualization of circuit designs in programmable logic devices is limited by hardware resource constraints, leading to inefficient debugging and error detection, especially when the designer and user are different entities, and the compilation of instrumentation logic is a lengthy process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for generating and deploying instrumentation logic on programmable logic devices, such as FPGAs, to collect and analyze signal data efficiently, allowing users to select portions of the circuit design for debugging and error detection, using high-level programming languages like OpenCL and transforming data into visual formats for analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If more memory is allocated for data collection in programmable logic devices, then design visibility and debugging capability are improved, but hardware resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign visibilityVSAvoidmemory resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the circuit design into selectable portions, allowing users to choose specific modules or components for instrumentation. This segmentation enables focused data collection from only the relevant parts of the design, reducing overall memory requirements while maintaining adequate design visibility for debugging the selected segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different levels of instrumentation and data collection granularity across different parts of the circuit. Users can apply detailed instrumentation to critical sections while using coarser instrumentation or no instrumentation in less critical areas, optimizing the balance between design visibility and memory resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the user selects design signals for instrumentation without sufficient knowledge of the circuit design, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal selectionVSAvoiddebugging accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to directly select and instrument design signals without requiring deep expertise in the circuit design. The system provides automated assistance through predefined signal categories, hierarchical selection interfaces, and intelligent recommendations that guide users to appropriate instrumentation points, making the process accessible to users with varying levels of design knowledge while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If multiple iterations of compiling and re-instrumenting are performed to locate problems, then design visibility is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign visibilityVSAvoidcompilation and iteration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to select and configure instrumentation logic before compilation and implementation. The system pre-processes the design to identify suitable instrumentation points and generates the necessary instrumentation code in advance, reducing the need for multiple compilation iterations. Users can review and adjust their signal selections before final compilation, thereby minimizing iterative re-instrumenting time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the designer and user are different entities with varying knowledge, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidinstrumentation configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a standardized instrumentation interface that serves multiple user types and knowledge levels. The system provides a unified signal selection mechanism that works for both designers and users, accommodating varying levels of expertise through a common interface. This universal approach allows different entities to use the same instrumentation framework without requiring separate complex configuration systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12536356B2Circuit design visibility in integrated circuit devices

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 ALTERA CORP

AI summary

A system includes an integrated circuit device configured to implement a circuit design. The integrated circuit device includes a communication interface configured to receive the circuit design in a configuration bitstream and instrumentation logic in the configuration bitstream and signal collector block configured to collect signal data based on the instrumentation logic during implementation of the circuit design.