Reconfigurable IC Layout and Gating for Lower Reconfiguration Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configurable integrated circuits (ICs) with reconfigurable logic and interconnect circuits consume significant power, especially during reconfiguration cycles, as they draw power even when not in use and require frequent configuration changes, leading to inefficiencies in power usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a placement and routing process that generates layouts to minimize configuration value changes by grouping reconfigurable circuits into rows, using select drivers to manage configuration cell connections, and employing gating circuits to prevent unnecessary select driver changes, thereby reducing energy consumption by minimizing toggling and maintaining stable configurations when possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable circuits are frequently reconfigured to implement user designs, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The placement and routing process performs preliminary analysis to predict which configuration bits will change during reconfiguration. By pre-identifying circuits that will maintain stable configurations, the system can proactively gate their select drivers before reconfiguration occurs, preventing unnecessary power consumption while preserving adaptability for circuits that do need to change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameter of select drivers by gating (enabling or disabling) them based on predicted configuration bit stability. When configuration bits are predicted to remain stable, the select driver is gated to prevent unnecessary switching. This parameter change allows the system to adapt power consumption levels in real-time based on actual reconfiguration needs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and power usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If select drivers are changed frequently to reconfigure circuits, then reconfiguration flexibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the placement and routing process, which provides predictions about configuration bit stability. This feedback mechanism allows the gating circuit to make informed decisions about whether to gate select drivers. By continuously monitoring predicted configuration changes and adjusting gating accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between reconfiguration flexibility and energy consumption, gating only when stability is predicted and allowing changes when flexibility is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration bits are changed during reconfiguration, then circuit functionality is improved, but power usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reconfiguration process by dividing circuits into two groups: those whose configuration bits are predicted to change and those whose configuration bits are predicted to remain stable. By applying gating selectively to the stable group while allowing reconfiguration in the changing group, the system segments power consumption management, reducing overall power usage without compromising the functionality of circuits that require reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for reducing power consumption in a reconfigurable integrated circuit. Some embodiments provide placement and routing programs that reduce the number of bits to be reconfigured. Some embodiments provide placement and routing programs that increase the number of groups of circuits that do not need reconfiguration at some times. Some embodiments include circuits that selectively block reconfiguration.