Runtime Customizable Circuits for Integrated Circuit Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits require extensive reconfiguration and redesign to change circuit functionalities, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when implementing runtime customizable functions like finite state machines, Boolean function networks, and automaton circuits.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of runtime customizable circuits (RCCs) within integrated circuits, which allows for dynamic parameterization and reconfiguration without altering physical circuitry, using an embedded processor to generate and apply parameterization data, enabling rapid adaptation to different functional instances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional integrated circuits are reconfigured to change circuit functionalities, then circuit adaptability is improved, but reconfiguration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple functional instances within the circuit hardware before runtime. Each functional instance (e.g., different finite state machines, Boolean function networks, or automaton circuits) is pre-built and stored in a pool of available instances. When a reconfiguration is needed, the system simply selects and activates a pre-configured instance rather than performing extensive reconfiguration operations, thereby dramatically reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive reconfiguration is performed to change circuit functionalities, then circuit adaptability is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit into multiple independent functional instances, each capable of performing a specific function. These instances are organized in a structured pool that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the circuit to achieve high adaptability by selecting from pre-defined functional modules without requiring complex reconfiguration logic, as each module is self-contained and independently configurable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If runtime customizable circuits are implemented, then circuit adaptability is improved, but initial circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal runtime customizable circuit architecture that can perform multiple functions through a single unified structure. The circuit includes a configurable logic block, interconnect structure, and control mechanism that can be programmed to implement various functional instances (finite state machines, Boolean function networks, automaton circuits, etc.). This multi-functional design achieves high adaptability while managing initial design complexity by providing a standardized framework that simplifies the integration of different functional modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented design flow can include, within a circuit design for an integrated circuit, determining a portion of the circuit design that is a candidate for implementation as a runtime customizable circuit and determining implementation options for the runtime customizable circuit. The design flow can also include generating, using computer hardware, a description of the circuit design using the runtime customizable circuit to implement the portion of the circuit design and generating, using the computer hardware, program code for an embedded processor coupled to an implementation of the runtime customizable circuit within the integrated circuit. The program code is usable by the embedded processor to parameterize the runtime customizable circuit to create a specific instance of the runtime customizable circuit.