Memory Isolation Interface for FPGA Data Retention During Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for retaining data in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices during reconfiguration introduce timing delays and performance issues by temporarily storing calibration data in host memory, which is not optimal for different types of memory devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a memory isolation interface that isolates memory devices during reconfiguration, allowing data retention without the need for temporary storage in host memory, by using memory isolation logic to invalidate memory requests and drive outputs to a stable state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration data is temporarily stored in host memory during reconfiguration, then data retention is achieved, but timing delays and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration data storage function from host memory and places it directly in the FPGA device's embedded memory. This is achieved by implementing a memory isolation interface that includes a calibration data register within the FPGA, allowing calibration data to be retained locally during reconfiguration operations without being transferred to or from host memory, thereby eliminating the associated timing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory isolation interface as an intermediary component between the user logic and the embedded memory. This interface includes control logic that manages memory access during reconfiguration, allowing calibration data to be preserved in the embedded memory while isolating it from the reconfiguration process. The intermediary manages the isolation and de-isolation of memory regions, enabling data retention without performance degradation.
2Reliability
If memory devices are isolated during reconfiguration, then data integrity is maintained, but access to memory requests is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of memory isolation through a state machine that transitions between different operational modes. The memory isolation interface can dynamically switch between isolated and de-isolated states based on reconfiguration timing signals. During reconfiguration, the interface isolates the embedded memory to preserve data integrity; after reconfiguration completes, it de-isolates the memory to restore normal access, thus achieving both data integrity and maintained productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by saving the current state of calibration data and control registers before reconfiguration begins. The memory isolation interface captures and preserves critical data in protected registers prior to isolation, ensuring that data integrity is maintained throughout the reconfiguration process. This preliminary preservation allows rapid restoration of full memory access after reconfiguration without data loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If host memory is used for calibration data storage, then implementation is simple, but it is not optimal for different types of memory devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal memory isolation interface that can work with different types of embedded memory devices (e.g., block RAM, distributed RAM, HBM) within the FPGA. The interface includes generic control logic and calibration data registers that adapt to various memory types through configuration parameters. This universal design maintains ease of implementation while providing versatility across different memory technologies, eliminating the need for type-specific host memory storage solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable integrated circuit (IC) device can include memory isolation logic to isolate a memory device to retain the data stored in the memory device during a partial reconfiguration of the IC device. The memory isolation logic can isolate the memory device after receiving an isolation request to retain the data in the memory device, and de-isolate the memory device after receiving a de-isolation request when the reconfiguration of the user programmable logic is completed. Isolating the memory device may include invalidating memory requests from user programmable logic in the IC device and de-isolating may include providing the user programmable logic access to the memory device.