Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A programmable gate array includes test subsystems for testing various functional subsystems of the programmable gate array. A sequence of test methods, employing the test subsystems, test the functionality of the programmable gate array, taking into account the interdependencies of the various subsystems and accordingly enabling fault isolation therein.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A method and system for defining, placing and routing kernels for a family of integrated circuits is provided. The integrated circuits are defined using repeatable row and column circuit types. Kernels are defined by the intersections of the row and column circuit types in the array. The kernels are placed and routed automatically for each member of the family of integrated circuit arrays, each member being generally characterized by a different size, i.e., a different number of repeatable row or column circuit types.

Abstract: A programmable gate array includes test subsystems for testing various functional subsystems of the programmable gate array. A sequence of test methods, employing the test subsystems, test the functionality of the programmable gate array, taking into account the interdependencies of the various subsystems and accordingly enabling fault isolation therein.

Abstract: A memory system having split logical bit lines and interleaved pre-charge/access cycles is provided. A bit line access circuit supports multiple conductors per logical bit line and pre-charges the conductors before access cycles thereto. The access cycles for one logical bit line are performed simultaneous with the pre-charge cycles for another logical bit line by the access circuit. Virtual reading is provided for eliminated memory cells. The memory system can be used in a programmable gate array having memory cells distributed throughout for programming respective programmable resources.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing functional, initialization and reset access to a plurality of memory cells of a memory array, using a single cell write port and a single cell read port. In addition to functional address and data buses, initialization address and data buses are provided. The invention is disclosed in association with a field-programmable memory array having multiple sub-arrays therein. The address units for each sub-array are provided to programmably provide address information to the wordlines of each sub-array from an initialization address bus or a functional address bus. Similarly, readhead and writehead circuits within each sub-array are also programmable to propagate data between initialization or functional data buses and the memory cells of the sub-array. The address units, readheads, and writeheads are all responsive to a dominant reset signal to reset the associated cells.

Abstract: A programmable logic cell has four cell input nodes and a plurality of combinational logic circuits. Four inverter circuits are provided for programmably inverting respective input logic signals, each inverter circuit having an inverter input node connected to a respective cell input node for accepting its respective input logic signal therefrom. Each inverter is programmable into a first state wherein a logic signal representing the complement of the input logic signal is provided to the inverter output node, and a second state wherein a logic signal representing the non-complement of the input logic signal is provided to the inverter output node. The inverter circuits buffer their input logic signals in both their first and second states.

Abstract: A programmable logic cell has four logic gates, two of which are configurable. The two configurable logic gates are positioned near the logic cell inputs. Each configurable logic gate has two inputs, each input being connected to one of the four logic cell inputs. The remaining two logic gates receive the outputs of the configurable logic gates. Four independent logic cell input nodes are provided, each having associated therewith a programmable input multiplexer. Each input multiplexer can have inputs connected to at least two types of interconnect conductors. The cell also has two output paths, each having associated therewith an independently-controlled output multiplexer. The output of each output multiplexer is connected to an input of the other output multiplexer. Additional features include a multiplexer having inputs connected to two cell input nodes, a select input connected to a third logic cell input node, and an output connected to a cell output node; a system low-skew data (e.g.

Abstract: A generalized data decompression engine is incorporated within a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"). The generalized data decompression engine uses a general purpose data decompression technique such as, for example, a Lempel-Ziv type technique. During operation, a compressed configuration bit stream is received by the generalized data decompression engine in the FPGA and is decompressed thereby. A resultant decompressed configuration bit stream is then used to program logic cells within the FPGA.

Abstract: A method and system for defining, placing and routing kernels for a family of integrated circuits is provided. The integrated circuits are defined using repeatable row and column circuit types. Kernels are defined by the intersections of the row and column circuit types in the array. The kernels are placed and routed automatically for each member of the family of integrated circuit arrays, each member being generally characterized by a different size, i.e., a different number of repeatable row or column circuit types.

Abstract: A given interconnect of a programmable gate array includes a programmable repeater circuit that enables selective isolation and testing of a select block of configured circuitry within the programmable gate array. The programmable repeater circuit includes an input node coupled to a first portion of the given interconnect and an output node coupled to a second portion of the given interconnect. A selective buffer circuit selectively outputs a buffered output signal to the output node that is related to a logic state at the input node. A signal storage circuit is also connected to the input node for selectively storing the logic state received from the input node. In a further embodiment, the signal storage circuit comprises an LSSD register. A primary latch of the LSSD register receives data selectively either from the input node, in accordance with a first clock signal, or alternatively from a secondary serial input node, in accordance with a second clock signal.

Abstract: A signal distribution architecture for clock and reset signal distribution in a programmable array is disclosed. The architecture includes separate networks for distributing clock and reset signals to logic cells of the array. Each network includes a plurality of column multiplexers for selecting a column clock or reset signal from a plurality of system clock or reset signals. Within each column of logic cells are positioned sector multiplexers for selecting a sector clock or reset signal from a plurality of column clock or reset signals. The clock and reset signals are applied to the combinatorial and sequential logic circuits of each logic cell associated with a given sector multiplexer. A clock gate circuit is controlled cooperatively with an output multiplexer in each logic cell. The networks are designed with features to minimize signal skew including signal source buffering, multiplexer signal buffering and output driver sizing as a function of signal propagation distance.

Abstract: A signal distribution architecture for clock and reset signal distribution in a programmable array is disclosed. The architecture includes separate networks for distributing clock and reset signals to logic cells of the array. Each network includes a plurality of column multiplexers for selecting a column clock or reset signal from a plurality of system clock or reset signals. Within each column of logic cells are positioned sector multiplexers for selecting a sector clock or reset signal from a plurality of column clock or reset signals. The clock and reset signals are applied to the combinatorial and sequential logic circuits of each logic cell associated with a given sector multiplexer. A clock gate circuit is controlled cooperatively with an output multiplexer in each logic cell. The networks are designed with features to minimize signal skew including signal source buffering, multiplexer signal buffering and output driver sizing as a function of signal propagation distance.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array has a plurality of programmable resources addressable per respective x and y dimensions of an x,y two dimensional array. A memory device provides a plurality of memory units that store configuration data for configuring associated programmable resources of the field programmable gate array. A controller addresses the memory device with an N-bit address for retrieving given configuration data. An address decoder and sequencer divides the N-bit address into first, second, and third portions and employs the first and third portions interchangeably, in accordance with the second portion, for addressing respective x and y dimensions of the plurality of programmable resources for selecting an associated programmable resource to be configured in accordance with the retrieved configuration data.