FPGA Netlist Build Automation via Component Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing FPGA development process is inefficient due to long build times, especially in rapid control prototyping environments, where frequent changes to the model result in lengthy waiting times, as the entire FPGA program is rebuilt from scratch during each modification.
Innovation Solution
The method enhances the hierarchical tool flow by introducing automated pre-building, versioning, modularization, floor planning, and an extended job queue to distribute build jobs across multiple processor cores or a build cloud, allowing for parallel processing and automatic triggering of builds based on component changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire FPGA program is rebuilt from scratch during each modification, then the netlist is completely updated, but the build time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The FPGA program is divided into multiple independent components, each capable of being built separately. When a component is modified, only that component needs to be rebuilt rather than the entire program, significantly reducing build time while ensuring the netlist remains complete and updated.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-built and stored in a database before final assembly. This allows the system to leverage previously computed netlists and placement/routing results, avoiding redundant work during subsequent builds and reducing overall build time while maintaining completeness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent changes are made to the model, then the FPGA program adapts to new requirements, but the waiting time for build completion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the program into independent components, the system can quickly rebuild only the affected component when changes are made, rather than waiting for a complete rebuild. This maintains model flexibility while reducing waiting time for build completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The build process becomes dynamic and adaptive, automatically identifying which components need rebuilding based on changes detected in the model. This allows the system to respond quickly to frequent changes without unnecessary waiting time for complete rebuilds.
3Loss of time
If manual splitting and partitioning is performed, then the build time is reduced, but the complexity of the development process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs component splitting, partitioning, and assignment to processor cores without requiring manual intervention. This maintains the time benefits of manual optimization while eliminating the added complexity that would result from implementing manual splitting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts partitioning parameters and resource allocation based on the current model structure and build requirements. This automated parameter optimization reduces build time without requiring users to manually configure complex partitioning strategies.
4Productivity
If parallel processing is implemented, then the build speed increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The build process is segmented into independent component builds that can execute in parallel on multiple processor cores. This naturally enables parallel processing and increases build speed without requiring complex parallelization infrastructure, as the segmentation itself provides the basis for parallel execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages parallel build processes, assigning components to available processor cores and coordinating dependencies without requiring manual parallelization configuration. This simplifies the system architecture compared to implementing custom parallel processing frameworks while still achieving high build speeds.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for creating a netlist of an FPGA program, wherein the model of the FPGA program consists of at least two components, each component being assigned a separate partition on the FPGA, a separate build being performed for each component, a composite build being created from the components, and the build jobs being started automatically after a trigger event, the trigger event being the saving of a component, the exit of a component from the design, or a time-controlled, automatic initiation of a build.