Programmable Circuitry Overlay Management in System-on-Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system-on-chip (SOC) integrated circuits lack a flexible and efficient method for implementing and managing overlays, which are pre-compiled bitstreams specifying circuit designs, limiting their configurability and adaptability in computing environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of programmable circuitry within the SOC, coupled with a processor that executes a framework providing high-productivity language control, allows for the implementation and management of overlays, including trace buffers for generating and analyzing trace data, and the use of slave processors for dynamic operation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired processors and circuits are used in SOC, then processing speed and reliability are improved, but configurability and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the processor and circuits reconfigurable through programmable logic. The hardwired structure can be dynamically changed by loading different configuration data, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt its functionality. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both reliable hardware-level processing and software-driven configurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the processor from fixed to variable by introducing programmable logic that can be configured through data loading. The configuration parameters can be modified at runtime, allowing the system to transition between different operational modes while maintaining hardware-level performance.
2Productivity
If hardwired circuits with predetermined functions are used, then processing efficiency is improved, but flexibility and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a processor that can perform multiple functions through a single reconfigurable architecture. The same hardware resources can be allocated to different tasks by changing the configuration data, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hardwired circuits while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of circuit functionality during operation. The programmable logic can be reprogrammed to change the behavior of circuits on-the-fly, enabling flexible adaptation to different processing requirements without sacrificing hardware-level performance.
3Device complexity
If traditional SOC architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but overlay implementation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processor architecture into reconfigurable logic blocks that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows overlays to be implemented as separate configurable modules that can be loaded and unloaded independently, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration data as an intermediary between the hardware and software layers. This intermediary enables flexible overlay implementation by translating high-level software requirements into hardware configuration settings, without requiring complex architectural changes to the underlying device.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit can include programmable circuitry configured to implement an overlay circuit specified by an overlay and a processor coupled to the programmable circuitry. The processor can be configured to control the programmable circuitry through execution of a framework. The framework provides high-productivity language control of implementation of the overlay in the programmable circuitry.