Runtime IP Core Metadata Extraction for IC Reimplementation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) designs lack the necessary information to reimplement Intellectual Property (IP) cores from runtime designs, making it difficult to reuse or upgrade IP cores in different contexts or environments.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to extract and reimplement IP cores by evaluating metadata in runtime designs, retrieving source code, and generating a new instance of the IP core, which can be included in a new compile-time design, allowing for parameterization and integration into different IC contexts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a runtime design is generated from compile time design through design flow, then the IC can be implemented with configuration data, but the implementation details of IP cores are lost and cannot be retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing metadata about IP cores during the compile time design phase, before the design flow transforms it into runtime design. This metadata includes information necessary for reimplementation, such as IP core identifiers, parameterizations, and source code references. By performing this information preservation action beforehand, the system ensures that IP core details remain retrievable even after the design flow completes, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving IC implementation and preventing information loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP cores are parameterized with different configurations, then design flexibility is improved, but the complexity of tracking and reimplementing specific IP core instances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating metadata copies of IP core information that are attached to or associated with the runtime design. Instead of directly managing the complex parameterized IP cores themselves, the system creates simplified metadata representations that capture essential identification and configuration information. These metadata copies serve as proxies, enabling straightforward tracking and retrieval of IP core instances regardless of their parameterization complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and tracking complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If source code is not preserved in runtime design, then the runtime design size is reduced, but reimplementation of IP cores becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the essential reimplementation information from the full source code. Instead of including complete source code in the runtime design, the system extracts and stores only the critical metadata elements needed for reimplementation, such as IP core identifiers, parameterization settings, and references to source code locations. This extraction approach maintains minimal runtime design size while preserving sufficient information to enable IP core reimplementation, thus resolving the contradiction between design size and reimplementation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Rebuilding a next compile-time Intellectual Property (IP) core can include determining an IP core included in a runtime design for an integrated circuit (IC) by evaluating metadata of the runtime design. The IP core specifies a circuit configured for implementation in programmable circuitry of the IC. Source code for the IP core may be retrieved automatically based on source data read from the metadata. A new instance of the IP core, including the source code, may be generated in a memory. The new instance of the IP core may be included within a new compile time design.