PLD Configuration Port Switching for External Memory Interface Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable logic devices (PLDs) face challenges in identifying and communicating with external memory devices having different interface characteristics, as they typically lack dedicated pins for configuration and rely on inefficient trial-and-error methods to determine interface characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method where a PLD reads an interface setup command from an external memory device through a configuration port, adjusts its operation to match the identified interface characteristics, and programs configuration data, allowing it to communicate effectively without requiring dedicated pins for interface identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external PLD pins are used as dedicated memory interface configuration pins to identify interface characteristics, then the PLD can successfully communicate with different types of external memory devices, but the number of available pins for general-purpose user logic is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration port is designed to perform multiple functions: it first reads the interface setup command to identify memory device characteristics, then automatically adjusts its interface parameters, and finally reads the configuration data. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated configuration pins while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PLD uses its existing configuration port to automatically identify memory device interface characteristics by reading the interface setup command, and then self-configures the appropriate interface parameters without external intervention. This self-service mechanism frees up external pins for user logic while ensuring reliable communication.
2Measurement precision
If trial-and-error read commands are used to identify external memory device interface characteristics, then the PLD can determine the correct interface parameters, but the configuration process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The memory device stores an interface setup command in its memory that contains the correct interface characteristics information. During configuration, the PLD reads this pre-prepared command first, obtains the accurate interface parameters immediately, and then configures itself accordingly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for trial-and-error attempts and significantly speeds up the configuration process.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are provided for determining interface characteristics of external devices. In one example, a method of configuring a programmable logic device (PLD) with configuration data stored in one or more external memory devices includes reading by the PLD an interface setup command in a bitstream from an external memory device through a configuration port of the PLD while operating the configuration port in accordance with a first set of interface characteristics. The method also includes adjusting by the PLD the configuration port to operate in accordance with a second set of interface characteristics identified by the interface setup command. The method also includes reading by the PLD configuration data in the bitstream from the external memory device through the configuration port while operating the configuration port in accordance with the second set of interface characteristics. The method also includes programming a configuration memory of the PLD with the configuration data.