Programmable Logic Block Control for Mixed-Slice FPGA Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable logic device (PLD) architectures are not optimized for specific applications, leading to unused resources, larger die size, and inefficient scaling due to homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a programmable logic device with a dual-slice or multi-slice architecture, where each programmable logic block comprises multiple slices with varying logic, register, and memory functionality, and includes control logic for selecting signals at different levels, optimizing resource utilization and scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks with limited slice types are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates and die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements heterogeneous logic blocks with different slice types (e.g., slices with different numbers of LUTs, different register configurations, different carry logic) within the same programmable logic device. This allows each region to be optimized for specific functions, improving resource utilization efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic blocks are segmented into multiple slices, each with configurable characteristics. This segmentation allows fine-grained optimization of resource allocation, enabling better matching of hardware resources to application requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different slice types within logic blocks provide specialized functionality for different application requirements. For example, some slices are optimized for arithmetic operations, others for logic functions, and others for memory operations, thereby enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic blocks incorporate programmable control logic that can dynamically configure the operational mode of each slice type, allowing the device to adapt to different applications through software configuration rather than hardware redesign.
3Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous programmable logic blocks are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but scaling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The logic blocks are divided into modular slices that can be independently configured and scaled. This modular segmentation allows efficient scaling of the device by replicating and configuring slices according to application needs, improving scaling efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular units.
4Quantity of substance
If larger die size is used to accommodate more resources, then resource capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost and area utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By providing different slice types with specialized functions, the device achieves higher resource capacity within the same die area. Each slice type is optimized for specific operations, reducing the total number of slices needed and thereby reducing die size while maintaining or improving resource capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple slice types are integrated within a single logic block structure, combining different functional units (LUTs, registers, carry logic) in optimized configurations. This merging approach increases resource capacity without proportionally increasing die size by sharing common infrastructure among different slice types.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device comprises configuration memory adapted to store configuration data and a plurality of programmable logic blocks. At least one programmable logic block includes a plurality of dual-slice logic blocks, each dual-slice logic block including first and second slices, each slice including at least two lookup tables (LUTs) and a register. The programmable logic block further includes control logic adapted for selecting control signals separately at a programmable block level, a dual-slice block level, and a register level, the control logic responsive to configuration data stored within the configuration memory.