Merging Partial Reconfiguration Bitstreams for IC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit designers face the challenge of managing a high number of partial configuration bitstream files for multiple reconfiguration regions in programmable IC devices, requiring individual updates which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method to merge two or more partial reconfiguration bitstream files into a single merged file, allowing concurrent configuration of multiple regions on an integrated circuit device using a computer-aided design tool, thereby reducing the number of files and streamlining the reconfiguration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple partial configuration bitstream files are generated for each partial reconfiguration region, then each region can be configured individually, but the number of files to manage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple partial configuration bitstream files into a single unified configuration file that contains configuration data for multiple partial reconfiguration regions. This unified file structure allows the system to maintain the ability to configure individual regions while eliminating the need to manage multiple separate files, directly resolving the contradiction between individual region configuration capability and file management complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If individual partial configuration bitstream files are used for each region, then precise control over each region is achieved, but the time required to update multiple regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of configuration data by pre-structuring the unified configuration file to contain all necessary region configurations in a single file. This preliminary organization allows the system to load and configure multiple regions simultaneously or in sequence from one file, rather than sequentially processing multiple separate files, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining precise control over each region
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple partial configuration bitstream files are generated, then each region can be updated independently, but the administrative burden of tracking and managing files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple region configuration data into a single unified configuration file with a structured format that identifies and separates configurations for different partial reconfiguration regions. This merging approach maintains independent update capability by allowing selective application of specific region configurations from the unified file, while dramatically improving file management ease by reducing the number of files from multiple to one
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for compiling an integrated circuit (IC) design with a computer-aided design tool are provided. The IC design may include multiple dynamic configuration regions that may be updated during runtime without affecting other regions on the IC device. When an IC design is compiled for an IC device, dynamic configuration regions in the IC design are identified. The computer-aided design tool may generate a partial configuration file for each identified dynamic configuration region. Two or more partial reconfiguration files may be combined to obtain a single partial configuration file that may then be used to configure respective dynamic configuration regions on the IC device.