Abstract: Various techniques for controlling use of configuration data for and/or a design implemented as user logic in a configurable PLD (programmable logic device) include programming the configurable PLD using configuration data provided by a secure device. The programmed configurable PLD includes user logic, a configurable device authorization code generator and a comparator. The user logic is immediately disabled after it is loaded into the configurable device. A configurable device authorization code is generated in the configurable device authorization code generator in the programmed configurable PLD and is sent to the comparator. A secure device authorization code is generated by a secure device authorization code generator and also is sent to the comparator. The comparator compares the two inputs and, if the configurable device authorization code and secure device authorization code are identical, the user logic is then enabled.

Abstract: An interface receiver, which is part of an interface that allows the transfer of data between two incompatible I/O standards, includes a crossbar and a barrel shifter that can be implemented using multiplier-accumulator blocks. The crossbar reorders an incoming burst of data and writes the data into a larger data column where the data is barrel-shifted using multiplier-accumulator blocks and transferred out of the receiver when an end-of-packet is detected or the shifted data column as seen from outside the interface receiver is full.

Abstract: Methods are provided for helping to automate the design of electronic circuitry in which multiple memory functions are provided by common physical memory. Interactive computer screens prompt the user to enter information about the multiple memory functions that the user desires. The data thus entered by the user is then reformatted for use as specific values of parameters in a parameterized function that can provide the required circuit design when its parameters are thus supplied with specific values.

Abstract: Circuitry that includes blocks of memory can be used to emulate a content addressable memory (“CAM”). The CAM data is stored in enough blocks of memory so that all of that data can be gradually read out in the time allowed for completion of a CAM search. As the data is read out, it is compared to CAM search data. If and when a match is found, a CAM address associated with the CAM data found to match the search data is generated. Alternatively or in addition, a simple “match” signal may be generated. If desired, the contents of the emulated CAM may be changed. To do this, circuitry is provided for converting the CAM address of the new data to an appropriate physical address (in the above-mentioned memory blocks) for that data.