FPGA Startup Control Logic for Configuration Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing integrated circuit systems require a separate control device to manage configuration errors in programmable devices like FPGAs, leading to increased costs and space requirements, as well as limitations in size reduction and substrate design.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit system that stores multiple pieces of circuit information and startup control circuit information, allowing the startup control logic circuit to select and configure the non-failed circuit information during startup or configuration failures, eliminating the need for a separate control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate control device (PLD) is used to manage configuration errors in FPGA, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the startup control logic circuit functionality into the FPGA device itself, eliminating the need for a separate PLD control device. The FPGA integrates both the logic circuit to be configured and the startup control logic that manages configuration error detection and recovery, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPGA is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the target logic circuit and the startup control logic circuit. The same device that needs configuration protection also performs the error detection, startup image verification, and recovery operations, making the system more compact and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If a separate control device (PLD) is used to manage configuration errors, then reliability is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the startup control logic circuit and the logic circuit into a single FPGA device, the patent eliminates the need for additional mounting space for a separate PLD. The integrated design reduces the overall footprint on the mounting substrate while maintaining the reliability benefits of error management.
3Device complexity
If startup control logic circuit is integrated in FPGA, then device cost is reduced, but configuration error detection capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary error detection by incorporating startup image verification before configuration. The startup control logic circuit checks the startup image information in advance, and if an error is detected, it triggers recovery operations by selecting alternative configuration data, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The startup control logic circuit continuously monitors configuration status and provides feedback on configuration errors. When errors are detected during startup or configuration, the system uses feedback mechanisms to switch to backup configuration data, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining an integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit system includes: a storage element which stores in advance a plurality of pieces of circuit information and startup control circuit information used to configure a startup control logic circuit for selecting circuit information that has not failed in configuring a logic circuit; and an integrated circuit which, at the time of startup or when configuration of the logic circuit based on any of the plurality of pieces of circuit information has failed, configures the startup control logic circuit by reading the startup control circuit information from the storage element, causes the configured startup control logic circuit to select the circuit information that has not failed in configuring the logic circuit, reads the circuit information selected by the startup control logic circuit from the storage element, and configures the logic circuit according to the circuit information.