PLD Fast Boot Through Early I/O Fabric Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic devices (PLDs) face significant delays in configuring and activating their functionality, leading to undesirable behavior in applications like LEDs, which can result in flickering or misbehavior before full system operation is achieved.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fast boot mechanism that allows a portion of the input/output (I/O) fabric to provide functionality early by loading configuration data into specific memory cells and activating I/O functionality before the entire PLD is configured, with optional security authentication using authentication certificates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration data is loaded into all configuration memory cells before activation, then the PLD can provide stable and reliable functionality, but the startup time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration memory into multiple banks (first bank, second bank, third bank) that can be configured independently. The I/O fabric is segmented to allow partial configuration where only critical I/O-related configuration memory banks are loaded first, enabling early activation of I/O functionality while remaining banks are configured in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of only the necessary I/O fabric configuration memory banks before activation. Configuration data for I/O-related banks is loaded in advance while the device is powered up, allowing the I/O fabric to become operational before the entire device is fully configured. This preliminary action eliminates waiting time for non-critical configuration.
2Reliability
If the entire PLD is configured before I/O activation, then all functionality operates correctly, but I/O components exhibit undesirable behavior during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent loads configuration data into I/O fabric configuration memory banks before the PLD is activated. This preliminary configuration ensures that I/O components have their correct configuration data ready before they become operational, preventing flickering and misbehavior. The configuration is performed in advance during the power-up sequence before the I/O fabric begins normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration approach where the configuration process is ongoing during power-up rather than being a single static step. Configuration memory banks are loaded and activated in a dynamic sequence that allows I/O functionality to transition from an initial state through configuration to operational state, ensuring smooth and correct I/O behavior throughout the startup process.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are provided to implement fast boot for programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a method includes receiving configuration data associated with a PLD. The PLD includes an array of configuration memory cells including logic block memory cells and input/output (I/O) block memory cells associated with the PLD's logic fabric and I/O fabric, respectively. The method further includes programming a subset of the I/O block memory cells with the configuration data, and providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with a portion of the I/O fabric. The method further includes programming remaining configuration memory cells of the array with the configuration data, where the remaining configuration memory cells include at least a subset of the logic block memory cells. The method further includes providing a wakeup signal to activate functionality associated with at least a portion of the logic fabric. Related systems and devices are provided.