Programmable Logic Persona Partitioning for Fast Virtual Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Partial reconfiguration in programmable logic devices results in latency issues, particularly when frequently switching between different personas, as the process can be time-consuming and undesirable for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A larger integrated circuit device with a programmable logic fabric is used to emulate a virtual smaller integrated circuit device, allowing multiple personas to be programmed in separate partitions, enabling faster switching between them by leveraging the additional resources of the larger device, thus hiding the latency of reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partial reconfiguration is used to switch personas in a programmable logic device, then the device can support multiple different circuit designs, but switching between personas introduces latency that degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable logic fabric is divided into multiple partitions, with each partition capable of holding a different persona. This segmentation allows the system to switch between personas by simply changing which partition is active, rather than reprogramming the entire device, thereby reducing switching latency while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple personas are pre-loaded into different partitions of the programmable logic fabric before runtime. This preliminary action enables fast switching between personas during operation, as the personas are already prepared and ready to be activated without requiring reprogramming at switch time
2Quantity of substance
If a smaller programmable logic device is used, then resource requirements are reduced, but partial reconfiguration latency becomes more significant relative to the device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual smaller programmable logic device is emulated within a larger programmable logic device. The virtual device's partitions are implemented using portions of the larger device's fabric, allowing the system to achieve the resource efficiency of a smaller device while leveraging the larger device's capacity to hold multiple partitions, thereby reducing relative switching latency
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent persona switching is performed, then adaptability is maximized, but the cumulative latency from repeated reconfiguration cycles degrades overall system productivity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the programmable logic fabric into multiple partitions each holding a persona, the system enables frequent persona switches without cumulative reconfiguration latency. Each partition can be rapidly activated or deactivated, allowing high-frequency switching that maintains both adaptability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple copies of personas are maintained in different partitions simultaneously. This copying approach allows the system to switch between personas instantly by activating the appropriate partition, eliminating the need for sequential reconfiguration and thus preventing cumulative latency from degrading productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a programmable logic fabric. The programmable logic fabric includes a first area, wherein a first persona is configured to be programmed in the first area. The programmable logic fabric also includes a second area, wherein a second persona is configured to be programmed in the second area in a second persona programming time. The device is configured to be controlled by a host to switch from running the first persona to running the second persona in a time less than the second persona programming time.