Programmable Apparatus Peripheral Logic Protocol Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing programmable FPGA boards requires significant effort in designing peripheral logic, which is complex and time-consuming, especially when using Hardware Description Language (HDL), whereas OpenCL framework automates peripheral logic synthesis, but limits flexibility by requiring specific board support packages (BSPs) for different protocols like PCIe and CAPI.

Innovation Solution

A programmable apparatus with a physical interface and function logic circuit, along with multiple peripheral logic circuits and a selector circuit that allows switching between protocols, utilizing a novel board support package (BSP) that includes designs for various peripheral logic circuits and a selector circuit to automatically configure the appropriate peripheral logic for execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a specific board support package (BSP) for a specific protocol is used, then the peripheral logic can be synthesized automatically in the OpenCL framework, but the flexibility to support multiple protocols is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic peripheral logic synthesisVSAvoidprotocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal BSP that contains multiple protocol-specific peripheral logic circuits (PCIe peripheral logic, CAPI peripheral logic, and other protocol peripheral logic) within a single board support package. The selector circuit enables the system to switch between different protocols, allowing one BSP to serve multiple protocol functions rather than requiring separate BSPs for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a selector circuit that can dynamically switch between different peripheral logic circuits based on the required protocol. This dynamic selection mechanism allows the system to adapt its configuration at runtime, enabling protocol flexibility while maintaining automatic synthesis capabilities through the unified BSP structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocol support is implemented using separate BSPs, then protocol flexibility is improved, but device complexity and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol flexibilityVSAvoidBSP management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple protocol-specific peripheral logic circuits and their associated control mechanisms into a single unified board support package. Instead of managing separate BSPs for PCIe, CAPI, and other protocols, the system consolidates them all into one BSP with a selector circuit that manages protocol switching, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified BSP structure serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple protocols through internal switching. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for developers to create and manage separate BSPs for different protocols, simplifying the development process while maintaining protocol flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocol support is implemented using separate BSPs, then protocol flexibility is improved, but development time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol flexibilityVSAvoiddevelopment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protocol implementations into a single integrated BSP, reducing the total development effort required. Developers only need to work with one unified BSP structure rather than creating and maintaining separate BSPs for each protocol, thereby improving development efficiency while preserving protocol flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal BSP design allows a single codebase to support multiple protocols through the selector circuit mechanism. This approach eliminates redundant development work across multiple BSPs and enables faster prototyping and deployment of multi-protocol capable systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10311002B2Selectable peripheral logic in programmable apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A programmable apparatus for executing a function is disclosed. The programmable apparatus includes a physical interface configured to be connected with an external apparatus. The programmable apparatus also includes a function logic circuit configured to execute the function on the programmable apparatus. The programmable apparatus further includes a plurality of peripheral logic circuits, each of which is configured to connect the function logic circuit with the physical interface using a respective protocol. The programmable apparatus also includes a selector circuit configured to select one from among the plurality of the peripheral logic circuits to activate.