Programmable Interface Buffer Circuit for Flexible On-Chip I/O
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of programmable logic devices with dedicated devices on a single chip faces challenges due to the need for redesigning interface circuits to accommodate different I/O demands, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in size and performance.
Innovation Solution
An interface circuit that can be modified using mask programmable uni-directional interface buffer circuits or hardware configurable bi-directional interface buffer circuits, allowing for re-routing in a single metal layer to adapt to various dedicated devices' I/O requirements, eliminating the need for extensive redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a programmable logic device is placed on the same chip as a dedicated device, then off-chip delays and board area are eliminated, but the interface circuit requires expensive and time-consuming redesign for different I/O demands
Solution Approach 1:
The interface buffer circuit is designed with mask programmability to accommodate multiple dedicated device types with different I/O demands. The same interface circuit structure can be reconfigured through mask programming to interface with different dedicated devices, eliminating the need for complete redesign while maintaining high-speed on-chip communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface circuit incorporates programmable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the buffer circuit characteristics. By changing the mask programming, the interface circuit can adapt its behavior to match different dedicated device requirements, providing flexibility without physical redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mask programmable uni-directional interface buffer circuits are used, then adaptability to different dedicated devices is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask programming is performed during the manufacturing process itself, incorporating the configuration data into the physical structure of the interface buffer circuits before the product is shipped. This preliminary action embeds the adaptability directly into the hardware, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing reconfiguration while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If re-routing conductors in a single metal layer is implemented, then ease of modification is improved, but routing flexibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The interface circuit is designed with separate, modular conductor paths in the metal layer that can be independently routed and reconfigured. This segmentation allows individual conductor routes to be modified for different dedicated device interfaces without affecting other parts of the circuit, enabling easy reconfiguration while maintaining overall routing integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a programmable logic device, a dedicated device, and an interface circuit between the two. The interface circuit can be easily modified to accommodate the different interface I/O demands of various dedicated devices that may be embedded into the integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the interface circuit may be implemented using a plurality of mask programmable uni-directional interface buffer circuits. The direction of any desired number of the interface buffer circuits can be reversed based on the needs of a desired dedicated device by re-routing the conductors in the interface buffer circuits in a single metal layer of the integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the interface circuit may be implemented using a hardware configurable bi-directional interface buffer circuit.