Abstract: A method for programming a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) via a network, the network being operated according to a predetermined communications protocol, can include: establishing a communication connection between the FPGA and an external master, setting the FPGA into a programming mode, the master providing an FPGA programming image to the FPGA in a sequence of frames so that the frames can be parsed and enabling the FPGA to write only during receiving the payload section of the frames. The FPGA programming image and parsing the sequence of frames can be performed by a permanently programmed or hardwired logic component. A network, FPGA, and a communication system can be configured to utilize embodiments of the method.

Abstract: When operating a first unit in a daisy chain of units allowing bidirectional communication, each unit is capable to transmit and to receive signals. A plurality of units including the said first unit transmits a respective signal to a preceding neighbor unit preceding in said daisy chain and to a following neighbor unit following in the daisy chain. In the daisy chain, the first unit determines whether or not it receives a signal from both of these neighbor units or not and if so, said first unit operates so as to put the at least one subunit into a first state. If the at least one subunit is not put into a first state, it operates so as to put the at least one subunit into a second state different from said first state.

Abstract: A method for programming a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) via a network, the network being operated according to a predetermined communications protocol, can include: establishing a communication connection between the FPGA and an external master, setting the FPGA into a programming mode, the master providing an FPGA programming image to the FPGA in a sequence of frames so that the frames can be parsed and enabling the FPGA to write only during receiving the payload section of the frames. The FPGA programming image and parsing the sequence of frames can be performed by a permanently programmed or hardwired logic component. A network, FPGA, and a communication system can be configured to utilize embodiments of the method.

Abstract: When operating a first unit in a daisy chain of units allowing bidirectional communication, each unit is capable to transmit and to receive signals. A plurality of units including the said first unit transmits a respective signal to a preceding neighbor unit preceding in said daisy chain and to a following neighbor unit following in the daisy chain. In the daisy chain, the first unit determines whether or not it receives a signal from both of these neighbor units or not and if so, said first unit operates so as to put the at least one subunit into a first state. If the at least one subunit is not put into a first state, it operates so as to put the at least one subunit into a second state different from said first state.