Depopulated programmable logic array
AssigneeLightspeed Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsRobert Osann JR., Patrick Hallinan, Jung Lee, Shridhar Mukund
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A programmable logic array (PLA) in accordance with the invention achieves a maximum amount of depopulation of programmable connections while still implementing a logic function and maintaining flexibility for future reprogramming. In addition, a PLA in accordance with the invention can be built so that no matter what functionality is programmed, performance characteristics for the device are maintained. Further, a PLA in accordance with the invention does not require a regular array structure.
Claims50
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model that contains only programmable connections necessary to implement the described functionality;
- selectively adding programmable connections to the PLA model to allow for programming of other functionality.
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model with a depopulated array;
- selectively re-populating the array in the PLA model to allow for programming of other functionality.
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model sized to accommodate the described functionality and fully populated with programmable connections;
- removing from the PLA model all programmable connections not necessary to implement the described functionality;
- selectively adding programmable connections to the PLA model;
- and
- building a PLA based on the PLA model.
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a plurality of descriptions of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model that contains only programmable connections necessary to implement the described functionality of the descriptions;
- and
- selectively adding programmable connections to the PLA model to allow for programming of other functionality.
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a plurality of descriptions of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model where the PLA model is sized to accommodate the largest described functionality in the plurality of descriptions;
- removing from the PLA model programmable connections not necessary to implement the described functionality of the descriptions.
A method of forming a programmable logic array (PLA), comprising:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- determining if pre-array or post-array logic will be useful to enhance the speed or reduce the size of the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model based upon the step of determining.
An integrated circuit, comprising:
- a programmable logic array (PLA) having a non-regular structure.
An integrated circuit, comprising:
- a programmable logic array (PLA) depopulated to include programmable connections only where required to implement certain known functionality and selectively minimally repopulated to accommodate future programming of other functionality.
An integrated circuit, comprising:
- a programmable logic array (PLA) having a depopulated array that includes programmable connections only where required to implement certain known functionality and selectively minimally repopulated to accommodate future programming of other functionality.
A programmable logic array, including:
- programmable connections that include a storage device and a logic gate;
- and
- product terms that include a gate tree.
A programmable logic array, including:
- programmable connections that include a pair of storage devices and a multiplexer.
A programmable logic array (PLA), including:
- an AND array that includes a first type of programmable connection;
- and
- an OR array that includes a second type of programmable connection.
A computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein to be used in forming a programmable logic array (PLA), which instructions when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the steps of:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model that contains only programmable connections necessary to implement the described functionality;
- selectively adding programmable connections to the PLA model to allow for programming of other functionality.
A computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein to be used in forming a programmable logic array (PLA), which instructions when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the steps of:
- receiving a description of functionality to be implemented by the PLA;
- preparing a PLA model with a depopulated array;
- selectively re-populating the array in the PLA model to allow for programming of other functionality.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.