Reconfigurable Logic Blocks With Embedded Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable logic devices require external memory for real-time reconfiguration, which limits their speed and increases the size and manufacturing costs of electronic circuit modules.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-volatile memory devices within the logic device to store configuration and interconnection information, allowing for real-time reconfiguration without the need for external memory, by using a configuration unit with a selector and latch to manage and apply configuration information to connect functional blocks based on selected interconnection and operation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external memory is used for real-time reconfiguration, then reconfiguration capability is achieved, but reconfiguration speed is limited and module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory function with the logic device by integrating non-volatile memory cells directly into the functional blocks. This eliminates the need for separate external memory, allowing configuration data to be stored and accessed within the same device, thereby achieving faster reconfiguration speeds while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the memory function from external components and incorporates it directly into the logic device structure. By embedding non-volatile memory cells within the functional blocks, the system removes the bottleneck of external memory access and achieves real-time reconfiguration at the speed of internal logic operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external memory is used for real-time reconfiguration, then configuration storage is enabled, but module size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration storage function with the logic device by integrating non-volatile memory cells directly into the functional blocks. This eliminates the need for separate external memory components, reducing the overall module size while maintaining full configuration storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional blocks in the patent serve multiple functions: they perform logic operations and simultaneously store configuration data using embedded non-volatile memory cells. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external memory components, reducing module size and manufacturing costs while maintaining configuration storage capability.
3Speed
If non-volatile memory devices are integrated within the logic device, then reconfiguration speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional blocks are designed to perform multiple functions: logic operations and configuration storage. By making the functional blocks universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated memory control units, thereby managing device complexity while achieving fast reconfiguration through integrated non-volatile memory cells.
4Volume of stationary object
If non-volatile memory devices are integrated within the logic device, then external memory is eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the memory function with the logic device by integrating non-volatile memory cells directly into the functional blocks using the same fabrication process. This monolithic integration approach eliminates the need for precise packaging and interconnection of separate memory chips, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements despite the increased integration density.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to example embodiments, a logic device (20) includes a first functional block (21) configured to perform a first operation according to first operation information and a second operation according to second operation information, and a second functional block (22) configured to perform a third operation according to the first operation information and a fourth operation according to the second operation information. The first functional block (21) is configured to receive configuration information, to select one of the first operation information and the second operation information based on the configuration information, and to perform the first or second operation based on the selected first or second operation information. The second functional block (22) is configured to receive the configuration information, to select one of the first operation information and the second operation information based on the configuration information, and to perform the third or fourth operation based on the selected first or second operation information.