Partial Reconfiguration Circuitry for Selective Memory Frame Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits require full reconfiguration, which can be resource-intensive and inefficient, as they often need to reload entire configuration data sets, whereas partial reconfiguration techniques are not effectively implemented to selectively update only specific portions of the memory elements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of partial reconfiguration circuitry, including a host circuit, control circuit, address register, and data registers, enables selective reconfiguration of memory elements by processing and executing partial reconfiguration instructions, which can be compressed and encrypted, with error checking to ensure data integrity during the reconfiguration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full reconfiguration is performed to update configuration data, then the entire programmable device can be reconfigured, but resource usage increases and reconfiguration time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration memory array is divided into multiple banks, and reconfiguration operations can be performed on selected banks rather than the entire array. The patent implements bank selection logic that allows partial reconfiguration of specific memory banks while leaving others unchanged, thereby reducing reconfiguration time and resource usage while maintaining data integrity for the updated portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete reconfiguration of all configuration data, the patent enables partial reconfiguration by allowing selection of specific banks or regions that require updates. This partial action approach reduces the overall reconfiguration time and computational resources while ensuring that only the necessary portions are updated, thus improving productivity without compromising the reliability of the updated configuration data.
2Productivity
If partial reconfiguration is implemented to update only specific portions, then reconfiguration efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration memory is segmented into multiple banks with dedicated control logic for each bank. This segmentation allows independent control and selection of banks for reconfiguration, reducing the need for complex global control circuits. Each bank can be addressed and updated independently, simplifying the overall control structure while enabling efficient partial reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates bank selection logic and address decoding circuits that are pre-configured to identify and select specific banks for reconfiguration. This preliminary organization of memory banks and control logic simplifies the reconfiguration process by eliminating the need for complex runtime decisions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high reconfiguration efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration memory is organized into banks for partial reconfiguration, then selective updating is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration memory array is divided into multiple banks that can be independently controlled. This segmentation is implemented using standard memory cell structures with additional bank selection control logic. The banked organization allows selective updating of specific regions while using conventional memory manufacturing processes, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high adaptability for partial reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory bank structure is designed to serve multiple functions: full reconfiguration mode, partial reconfiguration mode, and read-only mode. The same physical memory structure supports different operational modes through control logic that can select which banks to update or read from. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by using a single memory structure for multiple purposes rather than requiring separate structures for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated circuits may include partial reconfiguration (PR) circuitry for reconfiguring a portion of a memory array. The PR circuitry may include a host circuit, a control circuit, an address register, and first, second, and third data registers. The host circuit may send a series of PR instructions to the control circuit. The control circuit may include a decompression circuit for decompressing compressed instructions, a decryption circuit for decrypting encrypted instructions, an error checking circuit for detecting errors in the instructions, and a logic circuit. The address register may select a desired frame. The selected frame may be loaded into the third data register. The contents of the third data register may be shifted into the first data register. The contents of the first data register may be modified according to a desired logic function using the logic circuit, shifted into the second data register, and written into the selected frame.