Local Context Switching in Reconfigurable Logic Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-context reconfigurable devices face challenges in achieving high speed, low power consumption, high integration, and versatility due to limitations in configuration memory density and switching speed, particularly in using oxide semiconductor transistors for field-programmable gate arrays.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electronic device incorporates a structure with multiple switch matrix arrays and logic elements, where context selection signals are generated locally using input signals and clock signals, allowing for rapid context switching and efficient resource allocation, and may include oxide semiconductor transistors for low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If configuration memories are arranged at high density using oxide semiconductor transistors, then integration degree is improved, but switching speed deteriorates due to transistor characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The routing switch is divided into two independent switches: a first switch for selecting configuration data from configuration memories, and a second switch for outputting selected configuration data. This segmentation allows each switch to operate independently, improving overall switching speed while maintaining high integration density using oxide semiconductor transistors.
Solution Approach 2:
A selection signal line is introduced as an intermediary control mechanism that independently controls the first and second switches. This intermediary control structure enables precise timing and coordination between the two switches, resolving the speed bottleneck while preserving the high-density integration benefits of oxide semiconductor transistors.
2Use of energy by moving object
If oxide semiconductor transistors are used for configuration memory, then power consumption is reduced, but switching speed is limited by transistor characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The routing switch is divided into two independent switches: a first switch for selecting configuration data from configuration memories, and a second switch for outputting selected configuration data. This segmentation allows each switch to operate independently, improving overall switching speed while maintaining high integration density using oxide semiconductor transistors.
Solution Approach 2:
A selection signal line is introduced as an intermediary control mechanism that independently controls the first and second switches. This intermediary control structure enables precise timing and coordination between the two switches, resolving the speed bottleneck while preserving the low-power benefits of oxide semiconductor transistors.
3Ease of operation
If context selection signals are generated externally, then control is simplified, but switching speed is limited and cannot achieve one clock cycle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The context selection signal generation function is merged into the logic elements themselves. Each logic element generates its own context selection signal based on its input signals, eliminating external generation delays and enabling context switching to be completed within one clock cycle while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Logic elements are designed to self-generate context selection signals using their own input signals and internal circuitry. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external signal generation, achieving one-clock-cycle switching speed while keeping the control mechanism simple and integrated within each logic element.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel electronic device including a reconfigurable circuit is provided. In the electronic device including a reconfigurable circuit capable of executing multi-context operation, a context selection signal is locally generated. For example, a context selection signal is generated in the reconfigurable circuit with the use of context determination data contained in an output of another logic block, for example. The range of application of the context selection signal can be set as appropriate by a user. Thus, multi-context operation performed locally and partly enables efficient use of the circuit. Memory usage can be reduced and its efficiency can be improved compared to the case of using global multi-context driving. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.