Abstract: Various techniques are provided to flexibly update data fields stored in multi-bit registers. In one example, a method of updating a control register within an integrated circuit includes storing a plurality of initial bit values in the control register within the integrated circuit. The method also includes receiving a data set comprising one or more corrective bit values and one or more non-corrective bit values. The method also includes performing a logic operation on the received data set and the initial bit values to provide updated bit values. The method also includes replacing the initial bit values with the updated bit values in the control register.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed that includes a non-volatile memory; a shadow register; and a data shift register (DSR) configurable to receive control information from an external programming tool, wherein the DSR is configured to shift the control information into the shadow register if the PLD is in a first programming mode, the PLD being configurable to operate in the first programming mode using the control information stored in the shadow register without the control information being stored in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for determining interface characteristics of external devices. In one example, a method of configuring a programmable logic device (PLD) with configuration data stored in one or more external memory devices includes reading by the PLD an interface setup command in a bitstream from an external memory device through a configuration port of the PLD while operating the configuration port in accordance with a first set of interface characteristics. The method also includes adjusting by the PLD the configuration port to operate in accordance with a second set of interface characteristics identified by the interface setup command. The method also includes reading by the PLD configuration data in the bitstream from the external memory device through the configuration port while operating the configuration port in accordance with the second set of interface characteristics. The method also includes programming a configuration memory of the PLD with the configuration data.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein to provide improved techniques for securing configuration data stored in non-volatile memories of programmable logic devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic device includes a non-volatile memory adapted to store a plurality of configuration data. A plurality of security fuses are adapted to store a plurality of logic states. Control logic is adapted to selectively secure the configuration data within the non-volatile memory based on the logic states stored in the plurality of security fuses.