Programmable IC Memory Defragmentation by Fragment Memory Merging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Programmable IC devices face inefficiencies due to fragmented memory structures, leading to underutilization of on-chip memory resources, which limits their adoption in applications requiring wider and deeper memory, such as data centers.

Innovation Solution

A method to detect and merge fragment memory instances into composite memories, replacing them within the circuit design, thereby reducing the number of memory primitives required and optimizing memory usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If memory instances are specified in a fragmented manner to implement circuit design, then design flexibility and modularity are improved, but on-chip memory resource utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmemory resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fragmented memory instances into a single unified memory structure called a super-memory. The memory merger tool detects fragmented memory instances, analyzes their compatibility, and combines them into one consolidated memory block that maintains the functional requirements of the original fragmented instances while improving resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple fragment memory instances are used to meet specific memory requirements, then functional requirements are satisfied, but the number of memory primitives increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirement satisfactionVSAvoidnumber of memory primitives

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fragment memory instances are merged into a single super-memory instance, reducing the number of memory primitives from multiple separate instances to one consolidated structure. This maintains functional requirements while simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The super-memory structure serves multiple functions simultaneously, replacing what would have been multiple separate memory instances. It provides universal access and control for what were previously separate memory blocks, reducing complexity while maintaining all original functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If fragmented memory structures are implemented, then specific access patterns are achieved, but power consumption increases due to multiple memory primitives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess pattern controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple memory primitives are merged into a single super-memory instance, reducing the total power consumption associated with having multiple separate memory blocks. The unified structure allows for more efficient power management and reduces redundant power overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029944A1Memory defragmentation in programmable integrated circuit devices

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 XILINX INC

AI summary

Memory defragmentation in a programmable integrated circuit (IC) device includes detecting, by computer hardware, instances of memory of a circuit design that are fragment memory instances. A group including a plurality of the fragment memory instances that are compatible with memory merger criteria are generated by the computer hardware. A composite memory is generated by the computer hardware by merging the fragment memory instances of the group. The fragment memory instances of the group are replaced with the composite memory.