LAB Interconnect Layout for Faster Cross-Block Logic Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) have a hard boundary between Logic Array Blocks (LABs), limiting direct communication between Logic Elements (LEs) in different LABs, which compromises performance in complex logic designs due to signal propagation time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing LAB interconnect lines that span adjacent LABs, allowing direct communication between LEs in different LABs by arranging LAB lines in a staggered pattern with varying pitch and overlapping control signals, thereby blurring the traditional boundary between LABs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional LAB boundary structure is used, then LAB organization is simple and clear, but signal propagation time increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interconnect structures of adjacent LABs by allowing LAB lines to span across block boundaries. Specifically, LAB lines from one LAB can extend into adjacent LABs, creating shared interconnect resources that reduce signal propagation distance and enable direct communication between logic elements in different LABs without requiring additional inter-LAB routing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interconnect system into intra-LAB lines (for local routing within a LAB) and extended LAB lines (for cross-LAB routing). This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple local interconnect structures while enabling direct long-range connections by having specific LAB lines extend beyond their home LAB boundaries into adjacent LABs.
2Loss of time
If LAB lines are confined within single LABs, then routing within LAB is simple, but communication between LABs requires slower inter-LAB interconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines intra-LAB and inter-LAB routing functions into a unified structure by allowing LAB lines to extend across block boundaries. This eliminates the need for separate inter-LAB routing paths and reduces the two-level interconnect hierarchy to a more integrated system where the same LAB lines serve both local and remote routing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes LAB lines multi-functional by enabling them to serve dual purposes: routing signals within their home LAB (intra-LAB routing) and routing signals to adjacent LABs (inter-LAB routing). This universality allows a single interconnect structure to fulfill multiple routing functions, reducing overall system complexity and signal propagation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more inter-LAB lines are added, then direct communication between LABs improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced inter-LAB connectivity without adding dedicated inter-LAB lines by making existing LAB lines multi-functional. Each LAB line can be configured to route signals either within its home LAB or into adjacent LABs, providing flexible cross-LAB communication capabilities using the same physical interconnect structure that would be manufactured using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the interconnect system, allowing LAB lines to be programmatically configured to extend into adjacent LABs based on routing requirements. This dynamic behavior enables adaptable inter-LAB connectivity without requiring additional physical interconnect structures, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing versatile routing options.
Data Source
AI summary
A PLD with LAB interconnect lines that span adjacent LABs in the array and that have the ability to interconnect two logic elements in the different LABs. The PLD includes a plurality of LABs arranged in an array and a plurality of inter-LAB lines interconnecting the LABs of the array. Each of the LABs include a predetermined number of logic elements, one or more control signals distributed among the predetermined number of logic elements in the LAB, and LAB lines spanning between logic elements in different LABs in the array. In various embodiments, the LAB lines are arranged in a staggered pattern with a predetermined pitch between the lines. In other embodiments, the control signals of adjacent LABs can overlap, allowing control signals to be routed to the logic elements of adjacent LABs.