PLD Microcontroller Control for Flexible Configuration and Debug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable logic integrated circuit devices (PLDs) have limited flexibility in their control circuits, which can lead to issues during manufacturing changes, debugging, and the inability to perform tasks outside their designed capabilities, limiting their adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an on-chip microcontroller circuit block that includes a CPU, SRAM, NVM, boot ROM, control registers, and a CPU bus to replace traditional control logic, allowing for programmable control functions and additional user-defined operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control logic is used in PLDs, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller unit (MCU) integrates multiple functions including CPU, SRAM, NVM, boot ROM, control registers, and CPU bus into a single control system. This universal control block can perform various tasks such as debugging, manufacturing change handling, and system service operations, replacing the need for multiple dedicated control circuits and significantly enhancing the PLD's adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary between external programming devices and the internal programmable logic elements of the PLD. It manages the complex interaction between external configuration tools and internal control elements, providing a flexible interface that simplifies external connections while enabling sophisticated control functions.
2Ease of repair
If traditional control circuits are used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but debugging and manufacturing changes are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic transitions from static, hardwired circuits to dynamic, programmable control via the microcontroller. The MCU can execute different firmware versions to support various debugging protocols and manufacturing processes, allowing the PLD to adapt to changing requirements without physical circuit modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller enables parameter changes in the control system by loading different configuration data and firmware. This allows debugging capabilities and manufacturing processes to be modified through software updates rather than hardware changes, significantly improving ease of repair and adaptation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microcontroller-based control system is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller merges previously separate control functions (CPU operations, memory management, I/O control, debugging interfaces) into a single integrated control block. This consolidation reduces the overall number of discrete control circuits needed in the PLD, managing complexity while maintaining enhanced flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller provides self-service capabilities by automatically managing configuration loading, debugging operations, and system initialization. This automation reduces the need for external control circuitry and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the added intelligence of the MCU.
4Adaptability or versatility
If microcontroller is added to PLD, then additional functionality is provided, but the device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions including debugging, configuration management, system initialization, and user-defined operations. This multi-functionality means that a single control block replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control circuits, minimizing the area overhead while maximizing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller is nested within the PLD architecture, with the MCU itself containing nested functional blocks (CPU, SRAM, NVM, boot ROM, control registers). This hierarchical nesting allows efficient space utilization where smaller functional units are integrated within the larger microcontroller structure, reducing overall chip area compared to distributed control elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for use in a microcontroller-based control system in a programmable logic integrated circuit device is disclosed. The computer program product comprises first instructions for initializing the device, second instructions for reading programming data from a data source external to the programmable logic integrated circuit device, third instructions for transferring the programming data into control elements internal to the programmable logic integrated circuit device. Provision is made for fourth instructions for saving at least a part of the internal logic state of the user logic programmed into the programmable logic integrated circuit device into a non-volatile memory block and for fifth instructions for restoring at least a part of the internal logic state of the user logic programmed into the programmable logic integrated circuit device from a non-volatile memory block. The programmable logic integrated circuit device, comprises a microcontroller block and a programmable logic block with programming circuitry, and has a sub-bus which couples the microcontroller block to the programming circuitry.