Abstract: A via-configurable circuit block may contain chains of p-type and n-type transistors that may or may not be interconnected by means of configurable vias. Configurable vias may also be used to connect various transistor terminals to a ground line, a power line and/or to various terminals that may provide connections outside of the circuit block.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a data collection system for a circuit under test implemented as an integrated circuit or using a programmable logic device is disclosed. It comprises a configurable selection network connected to debug nodes of the circuit. The selection network can be reconfigured after implementation of the circuit to route data from selectable debug nodes in the circuit under test to a controller to allow analysis of the circuit. The data collection system can further comprise a configurable data packer. A method of use of the system associates data from the debug nodes with individual debug nodes of the circuit based on a configuration of the configurable selection network or that of the configurable data packer or both. The method and system of the invention allows for efficient data collection from different sets of debug nodes without having to re-implement the circuit.

Abstract: A Programmable Logic Device (PLD) structure using third dimensional memory is disclosed. The PLD structure includes a switch configured to couple a polarity of a signal (e.g., an input signal applied to an input) to a routing line and a non-volatile register configured to control the switch. The non-volatile register may include a non-volatile memory element, such as a third dimension memory element. The non-volatile memory element may be a two-terminal memory element that retains stored data in the absence of power and stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles that can be non-destructively sensed by applying a read voltage across the two terminals. New data can be written to the two-terminal memory element by applying a write voltage across the two terminals. Logic and other active circuitry can be positioned in a substrate and the non-volatile memory element can be positioned on top of the substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a hole is formed within an LE array of a PLD by interrupting the LE array base signal routing architecture such that a hole is left for IP function block to be incorporated. An interface region is provided for interfacing the remaining LE array base signal routing architecture to the IP function block.

Abstract: A double data rate serial encoder is provided. The serial encoder comprises a mux having a plurality of inputs, a plurality of latches coupled to the inputs of the mux, an enabler to enable the latches to update their data inputs, and a counter to select one of the plurality of inputs of the mux for output. In another aspect, the mux provides a glitch-less output during input transitions. The mux includes an output selection algorithm optimized based on a priori knowledge of an input selection sequence provided by the counter.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a configurable IC that includes a configurable routing fabric with storage elements. In some embodiments, the routing fabric provides a communication pathway that routes signals to and from source and destination components. The routing fabric of some embodiments provides the ability to selectively store the signals passing through the routing fabric within the storage elements of the routing fabric. In this manner, a source or destination component continually performs operations (e.g., computational or routing) irrespective of whether a previous signal from or to such a component is stored within the routing fabric. The source and destination components include configurable logic circuits, configurable interconnect circuits, and various other circuits that receive or distribute signals throughout the configurable IC.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for interfacing between hard logic elements and soft logic elements implemented on an integrated device. In particular, a configurable interface is provided that includes interconnects between hard logic and soft logic, which enable signals to be selectively routed between the inputs and outputs of hard logic blocks and soft logic modules. The interconnects allow for certain hard logic blocks to be bypassed in favor of soft logic functionality. Moreover, the interconnects allow soft logic to augment the processing of hard logic blocks, e.g., by providing additional signals to the hard logic block.

Abstract: A logic device includes first and second logic blocks and a connection block. Each of the first and second logic blocks configured to perform at least one function, the first logic blocks connected to first connection lines and the second logic blocks connected to second connection lines. The connection block electrically connected to the first and second logic blocks via the first connection lines and the second connection lines, respectively. The connection block including connection cells configured to select one of multiple connection configurations between the first connection lines and the second connection lines based on a desired function.

Abstract: A technique for configuring an integrated circuit includes receiving configuration data from an external element with an interface circuit. The configuration data may include an identification field and an instruction for configuring a logic block. Configuration circuitry may be used to identify the logic block to be configured based on the identification field. A storage element in the identified logic block is configured by the configuration circuitry based on the instruction.

Abstract: A polymorphic systolic array framework that works in conjunction with an embedded microprocessor on an FPGA, that allows for dynamic and complimentary scaling of acceleration levels of two algorithms active concurrently on the FPGA. Use is made of systolic arrays and hardware-software co-design to obtain an efficient multi-application acceleration system. The flexible and simple framework allows hosting of a broader range of algorithms and extendable to more complex applications in the area of aerospace embedded systems.

Abstract: A field-programmable analog array (FPAA) includes a digital signal routing network, an analog signal routing network, switch elements to interconnect the digital signal routing network with the analog signal routing network, and a configurable analog block (CAB) connected to the analog signal routing network and having a programmable resistor array. The switch elements are implemented via digital memristors, the programmable resistor array is implemented via analog memristors, and/or antifuses within one or more of the digital signal routing network and the analog signal routing network are implemented via digital memristors.

Abstract: Integrated circuits may include logic regions configurable to perform custom functions. Interconnects may be used to route signals throughout the integrated circuit. The logic region may be coupled to input selection circuitry for selecting and providing input signals from the interconnects to the logic regions and to output selection and routing circuitry for selecting and transmitting output signals over interconnects to other logic regions. Bypass circuitry may provide direct access to registers inside the logic regions and to the output selection and routing circuitry by bypassing the input selection circuitry and other processing circuitry inside the logic regions. Bus interconnections having logic regions performing register pipelining, wire stitching, and acting as data source/sink stations to get on and off the bus interconnections may be generated by configuring the bypass circuitry and the output selection and routing circuitry appropriately.

Abstract: Integrated circuits may include logic regions configurable to perform custom functions. Interconnects may be used to route signals throughout the integrated circuit. The logic region may be coupled to input selection circuitry for selecting and providing input signals from the interconnects to the logic regions and to output selection and routing circuitry for selecting and transmitting output signals over interconnects to other logic regions. Bypass circuitry may provide direct access to registers inside the logic regions and to the output selection and routing circuitry by bypassing the input selection circuitry and other processing circuitry inside the logic regions. Bus interconnections having logic regions performing register pipelining, wire stitching, and acting as data source/sink stations to get on and off the bus interconnections may be generated by configuring the bypass circuitry and the output selection and routing circuitry appropriately.

Abstract: To obtain a PLD that achieves high-speed configuration capable of dynamic configuration, consumes less power, and has a short startup time and a PLD that has a smaller number of transistors or a smaller circuit area than a PLD using an SRAM as a configuration memory, a plurality of logic elements arranged in an array and a switch for selecting electrical connection between the logic elements are provided. The switch includes a first transistor including a multilayer film including an oxide layer and an oxide semiconductor layer, a node that becomes floating when the first transistor is turned off, and a second transistor in which electrical continuity between a source and a drain is determined based on configuration data held at the node.

Abstract: A floorplan for a Structured ASIC chip is shown having a core region containing memory and VCLB logic cells surrounded by a plurality of IO connection fabrics that include a first IO connection fabric comprising IO sub-banks connecting the core of the chip to pins for external signals to the core, a first high-speed routing fabric disposed along the east-west vertical top of the core and connects the core to high-speed IO such as SerDes; a network-aware connection fabric connects the core to a microcontroller primarily for testing and repair of the memory in the core; and a second-high speed routing fabric is disposed on the north-south vertical sides of the core and communicates with the IO sub-banks. The VCLB Structured ASIC chip is manufactured on a 28 nm CMOS process lithographic node or smaller, having several metal layers and preferably is programmed on a single via layer.

Abstract: A field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes a set of monitor circuits adapted to provide indications of process, voltage, and temperature for at least one circuit in the FPGA, and a controller adapted to derive a range of body-bias values for the at least one circuit from the indications of process, voltage, and temperature for the at least one circuit. The FPGA further includes a body-bias generator adapted to provide a body-bias signal to at least one transistor in the at least one circuit. The body-bias signal has a value within the range of body-bias values.

Abstract: A L-level permutable switching network (L-PSN) having switches and multiple levels of conductors that are used to connect a first plurality of conductors to other multiple sets of conductors within respective interconnect resources constraints. The L-PSN can be applied in a wide range of applications, in tandem or hierarchically, to provide a large switch network used in network, routers, and programmable logic circuits. The L-PSN is used to connect a first set of conductors, through the L-PSN, to multiple sets of conductors in a given logic circuit hierarchy whereby the conductors in each of the multiple sets are equivalent or exchangeable, which in term, by construction, makes the first set of conductors equivalent when used in the next level of circuit hierarchy. The L-PSN is scalable for large sized sets of conductors and can be used in tandem or hierarchically to enable programmable interconnections among large sized circuits.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a circuit for accessing stored data in a configurable IC that includes several configurable circuits. The IC also includes several storage circuits. Each storage circuit has (1) several storage elements for storing data for the configurable circuits, and (2) output circuitry for outputting data stored in the storage elements. The output circuitry includes a first set of interconnects for receiving at least a first repeating periodic signal and for periodically outputting data from at least two storage elements to the configurable circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein for a programmable gate architecture with hybrid logic/routing circuitry. In one embodiment, a programmable gate array comprises a plurality of hybrid logic or routing tiles (HLRT), each of the HLRTs having a hybrid logic-or-routing function (HLR) that is configurable as a logic function or a routing function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for segmented and direct routing in a programmable gate array. In one embodiment, the programmable gate array comprises a plurality of programmable tiles, including at least one SHLRT having: a block configurable as a logic function or a routing function; and one or more switching blocks coupled to programmable tiles in the plurality of programmable tiles for segmented routing.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing multiple configurable lanes for clock and data transfer in source synchronous systems that may utilize a clock signal from another source for interpreting data received from the source. In an embodiment, a system may include a transmitter configured to transmit at least one clock signal and at least one data signal to a receiver device. The receiver device may have at least one clock lane and at least one data lane for receiving signals from the transmitter device. The clock lane(s) and data lane(s) can be arranged in any order as per requirement of system design. In the receiver, after manufacture, each data lane may be configured to be clocked by any clock lane.

Abstract: A device includes a routing buffer. The routing buffer includes a first port configured to receive a signal relating to an analysis of at least a portion of a data stream. The routing buffer also includes a second port configured to selectively provide the signal to a first routing line of a block of a state machine at a first time. The routing buffer further includes a third port configured to selectively provide the signal to a second routing line of the block of the state machine at the first time.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a control signal system for avoiding failure to check an indefinite signal propagation prevention circuit, for facilitating a check included in an automated tool, and for facilitating a power shutdown control inside a chip. In the semiconductor integrated circuit device, power shutdown priorities are provided by independent power domains (Area A to Area I). A method for preventing a power domain having a lower priority from being turned OFF when a circuit having a high priority is turned ON is also provided.

Abstract: Clock, distribution circuitry for a structured ASIC device includes a deterministic portion, and configurable portions. The deterministic portion employs a predetermined arrangement of conductor segments and buffers for distributing a clock signal to a plurality of predetermined locations on the device. From each predetermined location, an associated configurable portion of the clock distribution circuitry distributes the clock signal to any clock utilization circuitry needing that clock signal in a predetermined area of the structured ASIC that is served, from that predetermined, location.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The configurable IC includes a set of configurable logic circuits for configurably performing a set of functions. The configurable IC also includes a set of configurable routing circuits for routing signals to and from the configurable circuits. During several operational cycles of the configurable IC, a set of data registers are defined by the configurable routing circuits. These data registers may be used wherever a flip-flop can be used.

Abstract: The invention concerns a memory device comprising at least one memory cell comprising: a first transistor (102) coupled between a first storage node (106) and a first resistance switching element (202) programmed to have a first resistance; and a second transistor (104) coupled between a second storage node (108) and a second resistance switching element (204) programmed to have a second resistance, a control terminal of said first transistor being coupled to said second storage node, and a control terminal of said second transistor being coupled to said first storage node; and control circuitry (602) adapted to store a data value (DNV) at said first and second storage nodes by coupling said first and second storage nodes to a first supply voltage (VDD, GND), the data value being determined by the relative resistances of the first and second resistance switching elements.

Abstract: Provided are a ramp wave generation circuit and a solid-state imaging device in which a pulse output unit includes a delay part including a plurality of delay units that delay and output an input signal, and a delay control part that controls a delay time by which the delay unit delays the signal, and outputs a plurality of signals having logic states corresponding to logic states of signals output by the delay units, a time difference between timings at which the logic states of the respective signals are changed being a time corresponding to the delay time.

Abstract: Techniques for determining and a computing device configured to determine a quantum Karnaugh map through decomposing a quantum circuit into a multiple number of sub-circuits are provided. Also, techniques for obtaining and a computing device configured to obtain a quantum circuit which includes the minimum number of gates among possible quantum circuits corresponding to a quantum Karnaugh map are also provided.

Abstract: A method for designing a system on a target device includes assigning resources on the target device to static logic modules and partial reconfigurable (PR) modules in the system. The instances of one of the PR modules are placed and routed in parallel utilizing resources from those that are assigned. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A programmable analog device and an analog device that can retain data even when supply of a power supply potential is interrupted and consumes less power. In a semiconductor device, first to fourth transistors are used as switches in a unit cell including an analog element, and the output of the unit cell switches between a conducting state, a non-conducting state, and a conducting state through the analog element by controlling the potential of a first node where the first transistor and the second transistor are connected and the potential of a second node where the third transistor and the fourth transistor are connected.

Abstract: A reconfigurable integrated circuit (“IC”) that has several reconfigurable circuits, each having several configurations for several configuration cycles. The reconfigurable circuits include several time-extending reconfigurable circuits. During the operation of the IC, each particular time-extending reconfigurable circuit maintains at least one of its configurations over at least two contiguous cycles, in order to allow a signal to propagate through a signal path, which contains the particular time-extending circuit, within a desired amount of time.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of configuring a programmable analog routing system to make connections between analog functional blocks of an integrated circuit are described. A programmable analog routing system includes a first set of wires and switch sets of programmable connections coupled to a second set of wires. The programmable connections are configured to make at least one of a direct connection between two of the analog functional blocks using the second set of wires or a connection between one of the second set of wires and one of the first set of wires.

Abstract: Method and circuitry for implementing high speed multiple-data-rate interface architectures for programmable logic devices. The invention partitions I/O pins and their corresponding registers into independent multiple-data rate I/O modules each having at least one pin dedicated to the strobe signal DQS and others to DQ data signals. The modular architecture facilitates pin migration from one generation of PLDs to the next larger generation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a memory device comprising at least one memory cell comprising: a first transistor (102) coupled between a first storage node (106) and a first supply voltage (GND, VDD); a second transistor (104) coupled between a second storage node (108) and said first supply voltage, control terminals of the first and second transistors being coupled to the second and first storage nodes respectively; and a single resistance switching element (202), wherein said single resistive switching element is coupled in series with said first transistor and is programmable to have one of first and second resistances (Rmin, Rmax), wherein said first storage node is coupled to a first access line (BL) via a third transistor (110, 810) connected to said first storage node, and said second storage node is coupled to a second access line (BLB) via a fourth transistor (112, 812) connected to said second storage node.

Abstract: A reconfigurable integrated circuit device includes a memory unit for storing configuration information. The memory unit has a nonvolatile memory transistor having a gate connected to a first wire, a first terminal connected to a second wire, and a second terminal connected to a third wire. The memory unit also includes a switch circuit connected to the third wire. The switch circuit alters the configuration of the integrated circuit device by, for example, opening and closing to make wiring connections or disconnections. The integrated circuit device additionally includes a data supply circuit for supplying bit data and a first power supply circuit for supplying voltages to the first wire for storing bit data in the first nonvolatile memory transistor and for storing bit data as a charge level on the third wire.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor integrated circuit includes nonvolatile memory areas, each includes a first nonvolatile memory transistor, a second nonvolatile memory transistor and an output line, the first nonvolatile memory transistor includes a first source diffusion region, a first drain diffusion region and a first control gate electrode, the second nonvolatile memory transistor includes a second source diffusion region, a second drain diffusion region and a second control gate electrode, the output line connected the first drain diffusion region and the second drain diffusion region, and logic transistor areas, each includes a logic transistor, the logic transistor includes a third source diffusion region, a third drain diffusion region and a first gate electrode.

Abstract: A circuit according to embodiments includes: a plurality of bit-string comparators each of which includes a plurality of single-bit comparators each of which includes first and second input terminals, first and second match-determination terminals, and a memory storing data and inverted data in a pair, the first input terminal being connected to a respective search line, the second input terminal being connected to an inverted search line being paired with the respective search line, and a matching line connecting the first and second match-determination terminals of the single-bit comparators; a pre-charge transistor of which source is connected to a supply voltage line; a common matching line connected to a drain of the pre-charge transistor and the matching lines of the bit-string comparators; and an output inverter of which input is connected to the common matching line.

Abstract: A programmable logic device includes an array of functional blocks and input/output elements disposed at the periphery of the programmable logic device. The programmable logic device also includes conductors configured to conduct signals between the functional blocks and between the functional blocks and the routing channels. The number of conductors that propagate signals in a direction toward the periphery and out of the array is greater than the number of conductors that propagate signals into the array in a direction away from the periphery.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) design includes configurable circuits arranged in a mesh structure to facilitate routing of signals between different platforms or logic blocks within the design. Each configurable circuit has a semiconductor element with input and output terminals in a first semiconductor layer, input/output (I/O) ports corresponding to directions of the mesh structure in a second semiconductor layer, configurable input vias to allow a signal traveling in a first direction to be received, and configurable output vias that allow an output signal to be output from the configurable circuit in a second direction.

Abstract: A via-configurable logic block architecture for a Structured ASIC has a plurality of MOSFET transistor chains connected to one another through vias. In one embodiment there are three chains and the first transistor chain is a NFET transistor chain, the second transistor chain is a PFET transistor chain, and the third transistor chain is a NFET transistor chain. The first, second and third transistor chains are formed into devices made of transistors that are selected from a voltage threshold group consisting of LVT, SVT and HVT devices, where the first and third transistor chains are formed into devices from a voltage threshold group that is different from one another. In another embodiment transistor drive strength may be varied in the transistor chains of the logic block. In yet another embodiment both voltage threshold and drive strength may be varied together in a symmetrical manner.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for improving a success rate of an engineering design change (ECO) for an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, aspects of the invention include a method for improving a success rate of an engineering design change (ECO) for an integrated circuit, including: identifying a plurality of spare latches within the integrated circuit; determining an input driver for each of the spare latches; and replacing each input driver with a programmable gate array, such that the programmable gate array is programmed to a functionality of the input driver.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a logic circuit for receiving input data sets and configuration data sets and performing several functions on the input data sets. Each configuration data set specifies a particular function that the logic circuit has to perform on the input data set. The IC also includes a connection circuit for supplying sets of the configuration data to the logic circuit at a particular rate for at least a particular time period. At least two supplied configuration data sets are different and configure the logic circuit to perform two different functions on the input data.

Abstract: Integrated circuits such as programmable integrated circuits may include programmable logic regions that can be configured to perform custom functions. Interconnects may be used to route signals throughout the integrated circuit. The programmable logic regions may have input selection circuitry for selecting and providing input signals from the interconnects to the programmable logic regions. The programmable logic regions may include look-up table circuitry for processing the input signals and registers for storing output signals from the look-up table circuitry. The programmable logic regions may include output selection circuitry for selecting which output signals are provided to output circuitry of the programmable logic regions. The programmable logic regions may include bypass paths that provide direct access to the registers from the interconnects by bypassing the input and output selection circuitry.

Abstract: Circuits, architectures, a system and methods for providing multiple power rails to a plurality of standard cells in a region of an integrated circuit. The circuitry generally includes a plurality of cells configured for connection to a first or second power rail, the first power rail providing a first voltage to at least one of the plurality of cells, and the second power rail providing a second voltage (which may be independent from the first voltage) to remaining cells in the plurality of cells. The method generally includes routing, in an IC layout, a first power rail providing a first voltage and a second power rail providing a second voltage, placing the plurality of cells, and selectively connecting first and second subsets of the plurality of cells to the first and second power rails, respectively. The present invention further advantageously minimizes regional layout design considerations and time delays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing components such as buffers, multiplexers, ingress cores, etc. on a device such as a programmable chip to configure themselves based on parameter information. In some examples, self-configuring components obtain parameter information from adjacent components. In other examples, self-configuring components obtain parameter information from a system environment or a processor register. Component self-configuration can occur at a variety of times including preprocessing, simulation, and run-time.

Abstract: An object is to provide a programmable logic device having logic blocks connected to each other by a programmable switch, where the programmable switch is characterized by an oxide semiconductor transistor incorporated therein. The extremely low off-state current of the oxide semiconductor transistor provides a function as a non-volatile memory due to its high ability to hold a potential of a gate electrode of a transistor which is connected to the oxide semiconductor transistor. The ability of the oxide semiconductor transistor to function as a non-volatile memory allows the configuration data for controlling the connection of the logic blocks to be maintained even in the absence of a power supply potential. Hence, the rewriting process of the configuration data at starting of the device can be omitted, which contributes to the reduction in power consumption of the device.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a circuit, an encoder, and a decoder. The circuit is coupled to circuitry in the IC via a first set of interconnect fabricated using a metal layer. The encoder encodes a plurality of address lines to provide a plurality of encoded address lines. The decoder decodes the plurality of address lines. The plurality of encoded address lines are routed using a second set of interconnect fabricated using the metal layer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first integrated circuit (IC) die, and a second IC die stacked on the first IC die. The first and second IC dies are operational independently of each other. Each respective one of the first and second IC dies has: at least one circuit for performing a function; an operation block coupled to selectively disconnect the circuit from power; and an output enable block coupled to selectively connect the circuit to at least one data bus.

Abstract: The present application discloses an integrated circuit having a power controller that can manage power modes of a system when the system is in a low power mode. According to an embodiment, a power controller is built into an input/output (I/O) region of and integrated circuit die, wherein the I/O region is outside the main logic area of the die. The same supply voltage that powers the I/O region of the device can power the power controller. The power controller can operate to transition the integrated circuit die between power modes by transitioning logic modules of the integrated circuit between power states without intervention by the logic modules.