Programmable Logic Circuit Reconfiguration for Defective Resistance Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic integrated circuits with variable resistance elements face reliability issues due to potential failures in changing ON/OFF states after shipment, leading to increased costs and reduced functionality when defects occur in these elements.
Innovation Solution
A programmable logic circuit design that includes crossbar switch blocks with variable resistance elements, connection switch blocks, reading and writing means, and control mechanisms to detect and adjust the state of variable resistance elements, along with a design support system for generating and updating configuration information to accommodate defects, ensuring the formation of desired logic circuits despite element failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If variable resistance elements are used as switches in crossbar switch blocks, then chip area is reduced and logic block use efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential failures in changing ON/OFF states after shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing redundant variable resistance elements and routing structures before failures occur. The design includes alternative connection paths and backup switches that can be activated when primary elements fail, preventing total system failure and maintaining operational reliability while preserving the compact crossbar architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically reconfiguring the resistance states of variable resistance elements through voltage application. By changing the resistance parameters between high (OFF) and low (ON) states, the system achieves flexible connectivity while incorporating redundancy mechanisms that activate upon detecting parameter deviations indicating failure.
2Ease of manufacture
If variable resistance elements are used instead of traditional switch cells, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of repair worsens when defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the programmable logic device into modular blocks with independent variable resistance elements. When a defect is detected in one element, only that specific segment needs reconfiguration or replacement, rather than the entire device, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating redundant copies of variable resistance elements and routing paths. When a defect occurs in one element, a functional copy can be activated through reconfiguration, allowing the system to maintain functionality without requiring physical replacement of the defective element, thus improving ease of repair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable resistance elements with high resistance ratio are used, then switch function is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing circuits and measurement mechanisms that facilitate the detection of variable resistance element states. These intermediary components translate the high resistance ratio changes into measurable signals, enabling accurate detection and measurement while preserving the excellent switch function provided by the high resistance ratio elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the remediation of programmable logic integrated circuits with defective variable resistance elements, improving reliability and allowing users to form desired logic circuits without replacing the circuit, thus reducing costs and enhancing performance.
Implementation Method 1
Resistance value of the variable resistance element can be changed by applying a bias voltage in the forward direction or the reverse direction across both ends of the variable resistance element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a programmable logic integrated circuit wherein even if a failure occurs in any resistance-variable element, remedy would be possible and hence the improvement of reliability has been achieved. In a programmable logic integrated circuit comprising resistance-variable elements, when the states of the resistance-variable elements are to be changed according to externally inputted configuration information, a control means uses a reading means to read the states of the respective resistance-variable elements, and then uses a writing means to change only the states of resistance-changing elements that are different from a state indicated by the configuration information.