Configurable Routing Fabric with In-Path Storage for Low-Delay IC Data Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configurable integrated circuits (ICs) face limitations in flexible data storage and routing operations due to the restrictive nature of user registers, which often require data to be passed at specific clock edges and increase signal delay, hindering the performance of logic and storage operations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a configurable routing fabric with transparent and clocked storage elements that allow for flexible data storage and routing, enabling signals to be stored and routed independently of clock signals, and allowing for sub-cycle reconfiguration to optimize data handling within the IC's existing pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user registers are used for data storage in configurable ICs, then data can be stored at specific clock edges, but signal delay increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic storage elements that can switch between transparent and storage modes based on control signals. These elements allow data to be held temporarily at routing nodes without the fixed clock-edge constraint of traditional registers, enabling flexible data retention with minimal delay when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate storage elements at routing fabric nodes that act as mediators between logic blocks. These elements can buffer data temporarily during routing operations, reducing the propagation delay through the interconnect fabric without requiring full register-stage timing.
2Duration of action of moving object
If user registers are used for data storage, then data can be held between clock cycles, but logic and storage operations cannot operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage function into distributed transparent storage elements placed at multiple routing fabric nodes. Each element can independently hold data, allowing different parts of the circuit to perform logic operations simultaneously while data is being routed and stored at various intermediate points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary data storage at routing nodes before logic operations are complete. Data can be held in transparent storage elements at intermediate points while logic circuits continue processing, allowing overlapping of storage and computation phases.
3Reliability
If traditional storage elements are used, then data storage is reliable, but routing flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal storage elements that can function as transparent buffers, temporary storage nodes, or routing switches depending on control signals. These multi-functional elements are distributed throughout the routing fabric, providing both reliable data retention and flexible routing capabilities within the same hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable storage elements whose behavior changes based on control signals. Elements can switch between transparent mode (allowing signal passage) and storage mode (holding data), enabling the routing fabric to adapt its topology and storage capacity dynamically for different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (‘IC’) that includes a configurable routing fabric with controllable storage elements is described. The routing fabric provides a communication pathway that routes signals to and from source and destination components. The routing fabric may provide the ability to selectively store the signals passing through the routing fabric within the storage elements of the routing fabric. In this manner, a source or destination component may continually perform operations (e.g., computational or routing) irrespective of whether a previous signal from or to such a component is stored within the routing fabric. The source and destination components include configurable logic circuits, configurable interconnect circuits, and various other circuits that receive or a distribute signals throughout the IC.