Integrated Circuit State Access for In-Run Debug and Fault Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for performing read and write access operations in integrated circuits, such as programmable logic devices, are often slow, require the application to be stopped, and do not allow direct access to all storage circuits, affecting timing and resource utilization, especially during debug operations or fault injection.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit that can independently perform read and write access operations on storage circuits through configuration resources, using a global control circuit and local control circuits to manage sectors and scan chains, enabling independent access and fault injection without halting the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If read/write access operations are performed through configuration resources, then access to storage circuits is enabled, but the operation speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between configuration mode and user mode, allowing the control circuit to adapt its operation characteristics. In configuration mode, full access control is enabled; in user mode, faster access paths are activated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both comprehensive access capability and high-speed operation under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the configuration resources and storage circuits. This control circuit manages access operations, enabling comprehensive control while optimizing access paths. The intermediary handles the complexity of access management, allowing fast access operations without sacrificing control capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional access methods are used, then access control is comprehensive, but the application must be stopped during access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between configuration mode and user mode, allowing the control circuit to adapt its operation characteristics. In configuration mode, full access control is enabled; in user mode, faster access paths are activated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both comprehensive access capability and high-speed operation under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing user applications to run uninterrupted while access operations are performed in the background through the control circuit. The dual-mode architecture ensures that configuration access and user application execution can coexist, maintaining application continuity while providing comprehensive access control when needed.
3Productivity
If direct access to all storage circuits is enabled, then debug operations are improved, but timing and resource utilization are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the configuration resources and storage circuits. This control circuit manages access operations, enabling comprehensive control while optimizing access paths. The intermediary handles the complexity of access management, allowing fast access operations without sacrificing control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary setup of access paths and control configurations before actual debug operations. By pre-configuring access routes and control parameters, the system minimizes timing impacts during actual debug operations, allowing efficient access to storage circuits without disrupting application timing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration resources are used for access operations, then access flexibility is provided, but resource utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a configuration access controller and as a user-mode access optimizer. This universal component handles both configuration operations and user application access, eliminating the need for separate dedicated resources and improving overall resource utilization while maintaining access flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between configuration mode and user mode, allowing the control circuit to adapt its operation characteristics. In configuration mode, full access control is enabled; in user mode, faster access paths are activated. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both comprehensive access capability and high-speed operation under different conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first mode, a control circuit can implement a circuit design with storage circuits in an integrated circuit by programming configuration memory bits via configuration resources. The storage circuits can be accessed for read and write operations during execution of the implemented circuit design with the integrated circuit. In a second mode, the control circuit can perform read and write access operations at the storage circuits via configuration resources or via an interface circuit and interconnect resources that are allocated to the circuit design implementation. Typical applications for performing access operations at the storage circuits include fault injection and observation, statistical monitoring of the circuit design, initialization and the distribution of certain signals such as reset signals, event sampling, just to name a few.