SOPC Configuration Using Voltage Inputs Instead of Flash Memory

Solution Overview

Problem

As Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) grow in size and capability, the amount of configuration memory required increases, leading to higher costs and board space consumption for non-volatile memory like Flash memory.

Innovation Solution

The system configures a System on a Programmable Chip (SOPC) using one or more voltage sources instead of non-volatile memory, reducing the need for flash memory during configuration by providing configuration data via these voltage sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If configuration data is stored in external non-volatile memory (Flash memory), then the SOPC can be configured with large amounts of data, but the cost and board space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration data capacityVSAvoidboard space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from external non-volatile memory and relocates it to the SOPC's internal logic blocks. The logic blocks are reconfigured to serve dual purposes: performing their computational functions and storing configuration data in their lookup tables (LUTs), thereby eliminating the need for separate external configuration memory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic blocks within the SOPC are given multi-functionality by enabling them to both execute their programmed logic functions and store configuration data simultaneously. The same hardware resources (logic blocks and LUTs) serve dual purposes, reducing the overall component count and board space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If configuration data is stored in external non-volatile memory, then the SOPC can be configured with large amounts of data, but the implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration data capacityVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from external non-volatile memory and relocates it to the SOPC's internal logic blocks. The logic blocks are reconfigured to serve dual purposes: performing their computational functions and storing configuration data in their lookup tables (LUTs), thereby eliminating the need for separate external configuration memory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the configuration data storage function with the existing logic block structure. By combining these functions into a single integrated system using the same hardware resources, the patent eliminates the need for separate external memory components, reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3223430B1Systems and methods for configuring an SOPC without a need to use an external memory

Publication Date: 2020.06.24 ALTERA CORP

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AI summary

Systems and techniques for configuration of a system on a programmable chip (SOPC) are described. By configuring the SOPC, during power-up, with a voltage input instead of with a flash memory or another non-volatile memory, the systems and techniques may save cost and board space.