Parallel Partial Reconfiguration Module Placement and Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic design automation (EDA) tools face challenges in efficiently placing and routing partial reconfiguration (PR) modules on target devices like FPGAs and ASICs, which limits the ability to reconfigure systems without downtime and optimally utilize resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for placing and routing PR modules by assigning resources, allowing parallel placement and routing of PR modules, identifying and arbitrating conflicts, and re-allocating unused resources to reduce conflicts and enhance resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sequential placement and routing methods are used for PR modules, then resource allocation is straightforward, but reconfiguration time increases and system downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs placement and routing of multiple PR module instances in advance during the compilation phase, before the target device needs to be reconfigured. This preliminary action creates ready-to-load configuration files for multiple instances, enabling rapid switching without time-consuming on-device placement and routing operations, thus reducing system downtime and improving reconfiguration speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the target device into multiple regions and creates multiple instances of PR modules in different regions. Each instance can be independently configured and loaded, allowing parallel processing and eliminating the need to reconfigure the entire device at once, thereby reducing overall reconfiguration time and enabling faster productivity
2Productivity
If resources are freely allocated without restrictions, then resource utilization is maximized, but conflicts arise between multiple PR module instances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific resource pools to different PR module instances based on their regional locations and requirements. Each instance has dedicated resources allocated to it, preventing conflicts while maintaining high overall resource utilization. This local quality approach ensures that each instance gets appropriate resources without interfering with others, reducing conflict management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism during the placement and routing phase where resource allocation decisions are continuously adjusted based on conflicts detected between instances. The system monitors resource usage and automatically reassigns resources to eliminate conflicts, maintaining optimal utilization while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven adjustment
3Productivity
If multiple PR module instances are placed and routed in parallel, then reconfiguration time is reduced, but resource conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs conflict detection and resolution during the preliminary placement and routing phase before finalizing configurations. By identifying and resolving resource conflicts in advance during parallel processing, the system maintains high placement and routing efficiency while eliminating harmful resource conflicts before deployment, preventing issues that would arise during actual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary resource allocation mechanism that mediates between multiple PR module instances competing for resources. This intermediary layer arbitrates resource requests, allocates resources fairly, and prevents conflicts from arising during parallel placement and routing, maintaining both efficiency and conflict-free resource distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a system on a target device includes assigning resources on the target device to static logic modules and partial reconfigurable (PR) modules in the system. The instances of one of the PR modules are placed and routed in parallel utilizing resources from those that are assigned. Other embodiments are also disclosed.