Reconfigurable Logic Circuit Switching for Fewer Configuration Memories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses with reconfigurable logic circuits, such as FPGAs, require a large number of storage portions to handle multiple functions, leading to complex configurations and increased complexity in managing configuration data.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a reconfigurable logic circuit, multiple first storage portions, a switching portion, an acquisition processing portion, and a storage processing portion, where the configuration data is acquired from a second storage portion and stored in a non-connected first storage portion, allowing the logic circuit to switch between storage portions based on the required functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage portions are provided to store different configuration data for reconfigurable logic circuits, then the logic circuit can implement multiple functions, but the number of storage portions increases and configuration management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction implementation capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage portion is designed to perform multiple functions: storing configuration data for different logic circuit functions, serving as both a data storage medium and a connection target for the logic circuit. The switching portion enables the same storage portion to be dynamically connected to the logic circuit for different functions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated storage portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching portion dynamically changes the connection target between the logic circuit and different storage portions based on the required function. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different functional requirements without permanently dedicating specific storage portions to specific functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage portions are provided for different configuration data, then various functions can be stored separately, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration data storage capabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple storage portions are merged into a single shared storage portion that can store configuration data for multiple functions. The switching portion acts as a mediator that enables the logic circuit to access different configuration data within the same storage portion by changing connection targets, thereby combining multiple storage functions into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching portion serves as an intermediary between the logic circuit and the storage portions. It manages the connections and allows the logic circuit to access different configuration data without requiring direct permanent connections to multiple storage portions, thus simplifying the overall apparatus structure while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If more storage portions are connected to the logic circuit, then more configuration data can be accessed, but the switching and connection management becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration data access capabilityVSAvoidconnection switching ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage portions are segmented into first storage portions that can be connected to the logic circuit and second storage portions that store additional configuration data. The switching portion manages connections to these segmented storage portions, allowing systematic access to different configuration data sets without overwhelming connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration data is pre-stored in the second storage portions before being needed. When reconfiguration is required, the switching portion can quickly switch connections to access the pre-prepared configuration data, eliminating the need for complex real-time generation or transformation of configuration data and simplifying the switching operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250199735A1Electronic apparatus and data storage method capable of reducing the number of storage portions connectable to logic circuit

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a logic circuit, a plurality of first storage portions, a switching portion, and a storage processing portion. The internal configuration of the logic circuit is reconfigurable based on configuration data corresponding to one or more functions. The plurality of first storage portions separately store the configuration data. The switching portion switches the first storage portion connected to the logic circuit. The storage processing portion stores, in a first storage portion not connected to the logic circuit among the first storage portions, the configuration data acquired from a second storage portion, instead of the configuration data stored in the first storage portion.