Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) is configured to using a counter in conjunction with a threshold value to determine whether a configuration data frame is to be reloaded into a frame register if errors are encountered. In at least other embodiments, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) is configured to sequentially load configuration data frames into a frame register, check for errors in the configuration data frames during sequentially loading, and correct errors during sequentially loading without reloading one or more previously-loaded different configuration data frames.

Abstract: An improved programmable logic device provides increased efficiency and enhanced flexibility in configuration of block memories and includes one or more memory blocks and a vertical shift register that receives the data to be loaded in the memory blocks. The PLD further provides a selection device for selecting the memory cells in the memory blocks that are to store the received data, and a control block for controlling the loading of the data in the memory blocks. The selection device includes an address counter connected to the input of an address decoder so as to enable the selection of addresses in the memory blocks.

Abstract: A FPGA device that includes a plurality of programmable logic blocks connected to each other through interconnect resources, one or more sets of registers connected to the interconnect resources for configuring the programmable logic blocks. Additional logic is provided with the registers for selecting an interconnect/logic block testing mode thereby enabling a rapid interconnect/logic testing.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) is configured to using a counter in conjunction with a threshold value to determine whether a configuration data frame is to be reloaded into a frame register if errors are encountered. In at least other embodiments, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) is configured to sequentially load configuration data frames into a frame register, check for errors in the configuration data frames during sequentially loading, and correct errors during sequentially loading without reloading one or more previously-loaded different configuration data frames.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reloading frames in which errors are detected during the Programmable Logic Device configuration. A configuration data frame for a FPGA is loaded to the Frame register of the FPGA and also to an error detection circuit which detects errors with the loaded frame. An error counter value is maintained by the apparatus and is incremented each time an error with a frame is detected. The incremented value is compared by a Comparator circuit with a pre-determined threshold value ‘n’. If a match is found then the configuration process is aborted, else the data frame is reloaded in the configuration memory, transferred again to the frame register and rechecked for errors. If no error is detected with the reloaded frame, the error counter value is reset and the next frame is loaded until the FPGA configuration process is over.

Abstract: An improved digital circuit for reducing readback time in field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) includes a shift register having a plurality of latches and a clock and a reset signal provided to the latches. An interconnect circuit is provided between each pair of latches of the shift register for providing a selective data frame from the desired latch or latches. Connecting a control signal generator to a control input of said interconnect circuit enables quick readback of selected data frames, thereby reducing the time consumed for debugging of an FPGA.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling rapid partial configuration of reconfigurable devices includes a configuration definition unit and a configuration loading unit. The configuration definition unit defines partial configuration requirements, and contains at least a starting address of configuration data for the partial reconfiguration, data size specifying the number of contiguous locations to be reconfigured, and desired configuration data corresponding to the contiguous locations. The configuration loading unit provides for loading the configuration data into the reconfigurable device according to the partial configuration requirements without providing commands corresponding to any addresses outside of said configuration requirements.

Abstract: An improved multi-stage binary hierarchy decoder characterized in that at least one of the decoding stages subsequent to the first stage is implemented as a Transmission Gate Matrix (TGM) in which a single transmission gate enables an active input from the previous stage to its output, thereby resulting in reduced area requirements when implemented as an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reloading frames in which errors are detected during the Programmable Logic Device configuration. A configuration data frame for a FPGA is loaded to the Frame register of the FPGA and also to an error detection circuit which detects errors with the loaded frame. An error counter value is maintained by the apparatus and is incremented each time an error with a frame is detected. The incremented value is compared by a Comparator circuit with a pre-determined threshold value ‘n’. If a match is found then the configuration process is aborted, else the data frame is reloaded in the configuration memory, transferred again to the frame register and rechecked for errors. If no error is detected with the reloaded frame, the error counter value is reset and the next frame is loaded until the FPGA configuration process is over.

Abstract: An improved multi-stage binary hierarchy decoder characterized in that at least one of the decoding stages subsequent to the first stage is implemented as a Transmission Gate Matrix (TGM) in which a single transmission gate enables an active input from the previous stage to its output, thereby resulting in reduced area requirements when implemented as an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling rapid partial configuration of reconfigurable devices, wherein configuration definition means define partial configuration requirements, and contain at least a starting address of configuration data for the partial reconfiguration, data size specifying the number of contiguous locations to be reconfigured, and desired configuration data corresponding to the contiguous locations. Configuration loading means provides for loading the configuration data into the reconfigurable device according to the partial configuration requirements.

Abstract: A Programmable Logic Device provides efficient scalability for configuration memory programming while requiring reduced area for implementation. The device includes an array of configuration memory cells, a Vertical Shift Register (VSR) connected to the vertical lines of the array of configuration memory cells, a Select Register (SR) connected to the horizontal lines of the array of configuration memory cells, a Horizontal Shift Register (HSR) providing the enable input to the Select Register (SR), and a Configuration State Machine (CSM) which synchronizes the operations of the VSR, SR and HSR.