PLD Internal Reconfiguration Using User Logic Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable logic devices (PLDs) require external signals or instructions to trigger reconfiguration, which can be unreliable due to external hardware's lack of awareness of internal processes and configuration data locations.
Innovation Solution
A PLD with internal user logic that generates a reconfiguration signal to autonomously load and program new configuration data into its configuration memory, eliminating the need for external triggers and enabling self-initiated reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external signals or instructions are used to trigger reconfiguration, then the PLD can be reconfigured, but the system reliability deteriorates because external hardware may not be aware of internal processes and configuration data locations
Solution Approach 1:
The PLD performs reconfiguration autonomously using its own internal resources. The configuration data storage memory is coupled to the configuration memory within the PLD, and the PLD automatically loads and programs new configuration data without requiring external trigger signals or instructions, thereby eliminating external hardware dependency and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfiguration trigger function is extracted from external hardware and relocated to the internal configuration data storage memory. The storage memory contains instructions that automatically initiate the reconfiguration process, removing the need for external signaling and reducing system complexity
2Ease of operation
If external hardware triggers reconfiguration, then the PLD can be reconfigured, but the ease of operation deteriorates because external hardware must be apprised of internal processes and configuration data locations
Solution Approach 1:
The PLD autonomously manages its own reconfiguration process by internally storing configuration data and automatically initiating loading and programming operations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external hardware to track internal processes or configuration data locations, significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data storage memory acts as an intermediary that bridges the configuration data and the configuration memory. It contains embedded instructions that automatically initiate the reconfiguration process, eliminating the need for external hardware to understand or manage internal PLD processes
3Productivity
If external instructions are used to trigger reconfiguration, then the PLD can be reconfigured, but the productivity deteriorates because external hardware may not know when reconfiguration should be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration data storage memory is pre-loaded with new configuration data and embedded instructions that automatically initiate reconfiguration. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and enables immediate reconfiguration execution, significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The PLD autonomously determines when reconfiguration should occur and executes it without external intervention. The internal configuration data storage memory contains instructions that automatically trigger the reconfiguration process at appropriate times, eliminating delays caused by external hardware awareness and improving overall reconfiguration efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are described to provide an internally triggered reconfiguration of a programmable logic device (PLD). In one example, a PLD includes configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data to configure the PLD for its intended function. The PLD also includes a bus interface adapted to interface with configuration data storage memory. The PLD further includes user logic configured by the first configuration data and adapted to provide a reconfiguration signal to trigger a reconfiguration of the PLD. In addition, the PLD includes a bus interface controller responsive to the reconfiguration signal for loading second configuration data from the configuration data storage memory via the bus interface.