Partial Reconfiguration Circuit With Real-Time Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits with programmable resources face limitations in dynamic reconfiguration, particularly in providing real-time status updates and efficiently managing partial reconfiguration requests, which hinders advanced applications requiring dynamic behavior and complex system maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method for a device with configurable resources that involves receiving a configuration bitstream, configuring resources, and handling partial reconfiguration requests by loading updated configuration bits and providing status information through a standardized monitor/debug port, enabling real-time monitoring and prioritization of tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partial reconfiguration is implemented in conventional integrated circuits, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated reconfiguration controller as an intermediary component that manages the complex tasks of partial reconfiguration. This controller receives reconfiguration requests, retrieves configuration data from non-volatile memory, and coordinates the loading process into SRAM latches, thereby shielding the user from the underlying complexity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reconfiguration process into distinct phases: request reception, configuration data retrieval from non-volatile memory, selective loading into SRAM latches, and status reporting. This segmentation allows each phase to be managed independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dynamic reconfiguration capability.
2Measurement precision
If real-time status monitoring is added to partial reconfiguration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the status monitoring function with the existing reconfiguration controller and utilizes the DONE output port that already exists in the device architecture. By combining these functions and reusing existing infrastructure, the patent achieves real-time status monitoring without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfiguration controller automatically generates and updates status information during the reconfiguration process without requiring external monitoring circuitry. The status is provided through the existing DONE port, allowing the system to self-monitor its reconfiguration state.
3Reliability
If configuration bits are loaded from non-volatile memory during startup, then reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading configuration data into non-volatile memory during the manufacturing or initialization phase. This allows the configuration data to be readily available during startup, reducing the time required to load it into SRAM latches while maintaining reliability through persistent storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling partial reconfiguration in a device having configurable resources is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a configuration bitstream comprising configuration bits; configuring the configurable resources of the device using the configuration bits of the configuration bitstream; receiving a request for a partial reconfiguration of the device; loading updated configuration bits into memory elements associated with a portion of the configurable resources in response to the request for a partial reconfiguration; and providing a status of the partial reconfiguration while loading the updated configuration bits. A circuit for enabling partial reconfiguration in a device having configurable resources is also disclosed.