Pre-allocatable Wiring Structure for Programmable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional programmable devices, such as FPGAs, suffer from excessive redundancy, large area, high power consumption, and numerous metal layers due to their fixed wiring structures, which restrict the fabrication of larger devices and limit running speeds.
Innovation Solution
A programmable device with a pre-allocatable wiring structure that replaces long lines crossing multiple routing blocks (RBs) with lines that can cross a variable number of RBs and have adjustable directions and shapes, utilizing pre-allocation managers connected by programmable connection lines for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed wiring structure is used, then connection lines can connect any two RBs with sufficient routing flexibility, but the device has excessive redundancy, large area, high power consumption and numerous metal layers
Solution Approach 1:
The connection lines are segmented into multiple segments, each crossing a predetermined number of RBs (e.g., 2, 4, or 8 RBs). Each segment can be independently configured, allowing the system to achieve routing flexibility while reducing the total number of metal layers needed compared to traditional approaches where single long lines crossed arbitrary numbers of RBs.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Connection lines can be programmatically configured to cross different numbers of RBs and connect different RBs based on runtime requirements, enabling the device to adapt its routing topology without requiring excessive metal layers for all possible connections.
2Reliability
If traditional fixed wiring structure with long lines crossing multiple RBs is used, then sufficient connection lines are available between adjacent RBs, but the device has 50% redundancy and excessively large area
Solution Approach 1:
Long connection lines are divided into segments that cross predetermined numbers of RBs. This segmentation allows the system to provide sufficient connection availability for adjacent RBs while eliminating redundant long-distance connections, thereby reducing the overall device area required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full routing capability for all possible RB pairs, the system provides partial routing capability through segmented lines that cross predetermined numbers of RBs. This partial action approach maintains sufficient connectivity for most practical applications while significantly reducing redundancy and device area.
3Device complexity
If traditional fixed wiring structure is used, then simple connection structure is achieved, but the device has excessively high power consumption and too many metal layers
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure becomes dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the system to activate only the necessary connection segments for each operation. This dynamic approach maintains structural simplicity while reducing power consumption by deactivating unused connection lines and metal layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of connection line configuration from fixed to variable, allowing the number of RBs crossed and the direction of connection lines to be adjusted based on operational requirements. This parameter change enables the device to maintain simple structure while reducing power consumption by activating only necessary connections.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional architecture is used, then fabrication of current devices is supported, but larger devices and higher running speeds are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring structure is segmented into standardized units that cross predetermined numbers of RBs, making the design more scalable and easier to manufacture in larger sizes. This segmentation approach maintains fabrication feasibility while enabling higher running speeds through optimized signal paths and reduced interconnect complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable device includes a functional module, a pre-allocation manager, a first connection line, and a second connection line, wherein the pre-allocation managers are connected by the first connection lines, and the pre-allocation managers are connected to the functional modules by the second connection lines; the first connection lines are used for data transmission between the pre-allocation mangers, and a transmission direction is determined according to the configuration; the second connection lines are used for data transmission between the pre-allocation managers and the functional modules; the pre-allocation mangers are used for data transmission between the first connection lines and for data transmission between the first connection lines and the functional modules. The first connection lines are configured as connection line segments for transmission in both directions, and a wiring structure is designed in a direction and shape meeting wiring requirements.