Heterogeneous Logic Block Architecture for PLD Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable logic device (PLD) architectures are not optimized for specific applications, leading to unused resources, larger die size, and inefficient scaling due to homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types.
Innovation Solution
A programmable logic device with a mixture of different logic block slices, such as L0, R4, and M4 slices, providing varied logic, register, and memory functionality, allowing for a heterogeneous architecture that optimizes resource utilization and reduces die size through efficient scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heterogeneous logic blocks with different slice types (e.g., L0 slices with 4 LUTs, R4 slices with 4 LUTs and 4 registers, M4 slices with 4 LUTs and 4 memory locations) distributed throughout the device. Each slice type is optimized for specific functions, allowing local optimization of resource utilization without compromising manufacturing complexity
2Device complexity
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types are used, then device complexity is reduced, but die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies key parameters of logic blocks by implementing multiple slice types with different configurations of LUTs, registers, and memory locations. This parameter diversity enables more efficient packing of logic functions, reducing the overall die size required to achieve a given logic capacity while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic design
3Ease of operation
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal logic blocks that can adapt to different application requirements by incorporating multiple slice types within each logic block. The heterogeneous structure (combining L0, R4, and M4 slices) enables the same logic block to efficiently implement various functions including pure logic, registered logic, and memory-based logic, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through standardized block interfaces
4Productivity
If scaling is performed with homogeneous logic blocks, then logic capacity increases, but interconnect delay and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes power efficiency during scaling by strategically distributing different slice types within logic blocks. The heterogeneous structure allows clustering of similar functions (logic, register, memory) which reduces interconnect activity and power consumption compared to homogeneous blocks that require more extensive routing for the same functionality
5Productivity
If scaling is performed with homogeneous logic blocks, then logic capacity increases, but interconnect delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces interconnect delay during scaling by changing the internal structure of logic blocks to include heterogeneous slice types. This structural parameter change enables more direct routing paths and reduces the number of interconnect hops required to implement logic functions, thereby maintaining higher speed performance as logic capacity scales
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide logic block slice architectures and programmable logic block architectures along with control logic architectures in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks, with at least one of the programmable logic blocks having at least a first, a second, and a third logic block slice of different logic block slice types.