Multi-Output LUT Memory Cell for Lower-Cost Coarse-Grained FPGA

The patent divides the FPGA chip into multiple coarse-grained reconfigurable regions (CGRs) that can be independently configured. Each CGR contains multiple fine-grained logic elements that can be dynamically allocated, allowing the chip to be segmented into functional blocks that match the specific application requirements, thereby reducing the area occupied by unused logic elements while maintaining flexibility.

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the FPGA chip can change its logic structure during runtime. The configuration memory stores multiple configuration sets that can be loaded to reconfigure the CGRs and interconnect structures, allowing the chip to adapt its area utilization dynamically based on different operational modes or applications.

The patent designs a universal CGR architecture that can implement multiple logic functions through a single standardized structure. The CGR contains configurable logic elements, interconnect resources, and memory blocks that can be programmed to perform different functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized ASIC designs and reducing fabrication costs through volume production of a single FPGA chip design.

The patent uses configurable parameters in the CGR structure (such as logic element types, interconnect widths, and memory sizes) that can be adjusted through programming to match different application requirements. This allows a single FPGA chip design to serve multiple applications with different specifications, reducing the need for costly re-spins and lowering overall fabrication costs.

The patent segments the FPGA chip into multiple CGRs that can be independently powered or clocked. When a specific application is loaded, only the relevant CGRs are activated while others are placed in low-power states, reducing overall power consumption compared to keeping the entire chip fully operational and configurable.

The patent implements periodic reconfiguration capability where the FPGA chip can switch between different configuration sets at predetermined intervals or triggers. This allows the system to optimize power consumption by loading configurations that minimize active logic elements for different operational phases, reducing average power consumption while maintaining flexibility.

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration that allows the FPGA chip to switch between different logic configurations during runtime to optimize performance for different operational modes. The CGR architecture enables hot-swapping of configuration sets without resetting the entire chip, allowing performance-critical sections to be reconfigured on-the-fly while maintaining high-speed operation.

The patent pre-configures multiple optimization profiles in the configuration memory that can be rapidly loaded based on the current application requirements. These pre-prepared configurations include optimized logic paths, interconnect settings, and resource allocations that maximize performance for specific task types, eliminating the need for runtime synthesis and compilation that would degrade performance.

The patent uses a standardized CGR architecture that can be copied and replicated across multiple FPGA chip designs at advanced technology nodes. Once the CGR IP core is developed and validated, it can be instantiated in multiple configurations for different applications without requiring new NRE investment, effectively copying the proven architecture to achieve high performance at lower costs.

The patent creates a universal CGR platform that can be configured for multiple applications through programming rather than hardware redesign. The same advanced-node FPGA chip with CGR architecture can serve different markets and applications by loading different configuration sets, eliminating the need for expensive NRE investment in multiple ASIC designs while maintaining high performance and integration density.