Programmable Logic Configuration Sequencing for Power-Up Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rigid configuration sequence of programmable logic devices (PLDs) limits their flexibility and ability to meet power-up timing constraints, especially as they grow in size and complexity, making it difficult to enter user mode within the required time frames.
Innovation Solution
A programmable sequencer controls the configuration order of PLD portions, allowing independent configuration and operation while satisfying timing constraints, enabling a flexible configuration approach where critical portions can operate before the entire device is fully configured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid configuration sequence is used to configure the PLD, then the configuration process is simple and deterministic, but the PLD cannot meet power-up timing constraints and critical portions cannot operate before full configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The PLD is divided into multiple configurable portions (e.g., banks of logic blocks, memory blocks, I/O blocks) that can be configured independently. Each portion has its own configuration status tracking, allowing selective configuration and operation of critical portions before complete device configuration, thus meeting power-up timing constraints while maintaining configuration flexibility.
2Reliability
If all portions are configured before user mode entry, then configuration completeness is ensured, but power-up timing constraints cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
Critical portions of the PLD are configured and made operational before the entire device is fully configured. The system performs preliminary configuration of essential blocks (such as clock management, power-up sequencing, or time-critical logic) to meet power-up timing constraints, while non-critical portions continue configuring in the background, ensuring eventual configuration completeness without sacrificing startup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration status of each PLD portion is dynamically tracked and updated. The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing configuration model to a dynamic partial configuration model where portions can enter user mode independently based on their configuration status, allowing the PLD to adapt its operational state during the configuration process.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed configuration order is enforced, then configuration sequencing is simple, but critical portions cannot operate independently before full configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Each configurable portion of the PLD includes self-service mechanisms for tracking its own configuration status. The portions can independently determine when they are ready to enter user mode based on their own configuration completion, without requiring complex centralized arbitration. This reduces sequencer programming complexity while enabling critical portions to operate independently and improving overall operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for flexibly configuring one or more intellectual property (IP) blocks of a programmable logic device are described. The methods include configuring and operating a first portion of the programmable logic device before configuring a remaining portion of the programmable logic device. By operating the first portion before configuring the remaining portions, various timing constraints including power-up timing constraints can be met by the programmable logic device.