Hard Macro Reconfiguration via Registers Without FPGA Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of PCIe Endpoint designs instantiated in FPGA fabric is limited compared to hard macro implementations, lacking flexibility and efficiency in reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with configuration memory cells coupled to a hard macro via configuration registers, allowing for reconfiguration without resetting the hard macro, using a bitstream to program and dynamically update configuration information stored in registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PCIe Endpoint design is instantiated in FPGA fabric as soft core, then flexibility and reconfigurability are improved, but performance and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FPGA into hard macro regions (for high-performance PCIe Endpoint functions) and soft core regions (for flexible logic). Configuration memory cells are segmented to allow selective reconfiguration of specific hard macro blocks without affecting the entire device, enabling partial reconfiguration that maintains performance while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through configuration registers that can be modified at runtime. The hard macro blocks can be dynamically reconfigured by updating configuration memory cells and registers, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics while maintaining operational continuity, thus resolving the static nature of traditional hard macros.
2Productivity
If hard macro implementation is used, then performance and efficiency are improved, but flexibility and reconfiguration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration by pre-programming configuration memory cells with initial hard macro settings before device operation. This allows the hard macro to be pre-optimized for specific high-performance functions while retaining the capability for later reconfiguration through register updates, thus maintaining both performance and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in hard macro blocks by providing configuration registers that can be modified at runtime. By changing parameters stored in configuration memory cells and loading them into hard macro configuration registers, the system can reconfigure hard macro behavior without losing performance characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed hard macro parameters and reconfiguration needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full reconfiguration of hard macro is performed, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and operational interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial reconfiguration by allowing only the necessary portions of the hard macro to be reconfigured rather than the entire block. Configuration memory cells can be selectively updated and loaded into specific configuration registers, enabling adaptability improvements with minimal reconfiguration time and without interrupting overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action during reconfiguration by allowing the hard macro to continue operating with existing configuration while parallel reconfiguration of configuration memory cells occurs. The updated configuration can be loaded without complete system reset, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing loss of time.
Data Source
AI summary
Reconfiguration of a hard macro via configuration registers is described. An integrated circuit includes configuration memory cells coupled to a hard macro via configuration registers. The configuration memory cells are for storing values for initializing the hard macro. The configuration registers are coupled to be loaded with the values stored by the configuration memory cells. Write management busing is coupled to the configuration registers for overwriting at least one of the values loaded into the configuration registers for reconfiguration of the hard macro.