Processor Event Interface Auto-Generation for Programmable Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an interrupt interface for processors in programmable logic devices is a tedious and time-consuming task due to the need to manage multiple interrupt signals and direct memory access events, requiring complex hardware and software control logic.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to automatically generate an event interface for processors using a High Level Modeling System (HLMS), which includes receiving user-specified attributes for events such as trigger conditions, priorities, and trigger levels, and generating both event generation hardware and handling software, thereby simplifying the creation of interrupt and DMA event interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual design methods are used to create interrupt interfaces for processors, then designers have full control over hardware and software control logic, but the design process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the event interface code before the designer needs to manually write it. The High Level Modeling System pre-computes the hardware description language code and C language software driver code based on user-defined event attributes, eliminating the time-consuming manual coding process while maintaining design control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the High Level Modeling System to automatically generate both hardware and software components of the event interface without requiring manual intervention for code writing. The system serves itself by computing the necessary control logic and interface code based on high-level specifications provided by the designer.
2Productivity
If automatic code generation is implemented to simplify event interface creation, then design time is reduced, but the complexity of managing the generation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The High Level Modeling System performs multiple functions within a single integrated environment: it defines event attributes, generates hardware description language code, generates C language software driver code, and integrates both components into a complete event interface. This multi-functionality increases productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing the High Level Modeling System as a mediator between the designer's high-level specifications and the detailed hardware/software implementation. This intermediary automatically translates abstract event attributes into concrete code, simplifying the designer's task while managing the complexity of code generation internally within the modeling system.
3Reliability
If comprehensive event attributes are collected to ensure proper event handling, then event interface functionality is improved, but the amount of information to manage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the event interface design into distinct attributes that can be independently specified and managed. Each event attribute (such as event type, trigger conditions, priority levels, and associated memory) is treated as a separate parameter that can be defined and controlled individually, making the overall complex specification manageable through structured segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implementing a circuit design on a programmable integrated circuit can include displaying a list of at least one memory of the circuit design that is associated with the processor. A plurality of attributes of an event for the processor can be received. The plurality of attributes can specify a condition that, when met within at least one memory from the list, causes a signal to be generated to the processor. A description of an event interface for the processor can be automatically created according to the plurality of attributes of the interrupt. The description of the event interface can be incorporated into a description of the circuit design.