Hybrid DSP Architecture in Programmable Logic for Resource Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in conserving resources and reducing power consumption due to thermal and die size limitations, particularly when implementing frequently performed digital signal processing functions, which hinders integration and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of hardened circuits within programmable devices, which provide predetermined digital processing functions, combined with configurable logic, allows for efficient resource allocation and power management by separating common digital processing tasks into predefined and customizable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital signal processing functions are implemented using programmable logic, then functionality and flexibility are improved, but resource consumption and power usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the digital signal processing system into two distinct parts: hardened circuits for predetermined functions and programmable logic for configurable functions. This segmentation allows the system to use energy-efficient hardened circuits for common tasks while maintaining flexibility through programmable logic only when needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different implementation approaches to different parts of the system based on their specific requirements. Hardened circuits are used for functions requiring high efficiency and predetermined behavior, while programmable logic is used for functions requiring flexibility and configurability. This localized approach optimizes the balance between power consumption and adaptability for each specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital signal processing functions are implemented using programmable logic, then flexibility is improved, but resource availability and integration density worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidresource availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system resources into hardened circuitry for fixed functions and programmable logic for flexible functions. This segmentation conserves programmable fabric resources by offloading predetermined digital signal processing functions to hardened circuits, thereby making more resources available for other uses while maintaining system flexibility through the programmable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the implementation parameter from purely programmable logic to a hybrid architecture combining hardened circuits and programmable logic. This parameter change increases integration density by utilizing both fixed and configurable resources, thereby improving resource availability in the programmable fabric while maintaining flexibility through the programmable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If digital signal processing functions are implemented using programmable logic, then configurability is improved, but thermal output and power dissipation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidthermal output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing workload between hardened circuits and programmable logic, assigning thermal-efficient predetermined functions to hardened circuits. This segmentation reduces the thermal output of the programmable fabric by minimizing the amount of configurable logic that needs to operate, thereby managing heat generation while preserving configurability for essential functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by using hardened circuits for thermal-sensitive predetermined functions and programmable logic for configurability-critical functions. This localized approach optimizes the thermal profile of the system by concentrating heat-generating programmable operations in minimal necessary areas while using energy-efficient hardened circuits for bulk processing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11563435B2Programmable device having hardened circuits for predetermined digital signal processing functionality

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 XILINX INC

AI summary

An example programmable device includes a configuration memory configured to store configuration data; a programmable logic having a configurable functionality based on the configuration data in the configuration memory; a signal conversion circuit; a digital processing circuit; an endpoint circuit coupled to the signal conversion circuit through the digital processing circuit; wherein the digital processing circuit includes a first one or more digital processing functions implemented as hardened circuits each having a predetermined functionality, and a second one or more processing functions implemented by the configurable functionality of the programmable logic.