Self-programmable microcomputer and method of remotely programming same
OwnerJerry D. Harthcock, Peter Koeniginventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A user-configurable and/or self-configurable System on a Chip (SoC) device and corresponding remote programming method enabling the SoC to be reprogrammed multiple times from a remote chip file server. Once programmed with the desired SoC design, the device can be debugged remotely in real-time by one or more users. The device includes a helper microcontroller/programmer, and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabric which is divided into a plurality of programmable logic and clock driver domains that may be independently programmed by way of the helper microcontroller. Once programmed, the helper microcontroller can serve as a real-time monitor/data exchange sub-controller and/or may be used by the end application.
Claims32
A self-programmable microcomputer comprising:
- a helper microcontroller;
- a programmable logic device electronically connected to the helper microcontroller;
- and
- an interface between the helper microcontroller and the logic device for conveying programming instructions from the microcontroller to the logic device.
A microcomputer programming system comprising:
- at least one domain of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabric;
- a helper microcontroller electronically connected to the FPGA fabric domain;
- and
- an interface between the helper microcontroller and the FPGA fabric domain, said interface conveying programming instructions from the microcontroller to the FPGA fabric domain.
A method of programming a microcomputer comprising the steps of:
- electronically connecting a helper microcontroller to a programmable logic device;
- and
- conveying programming instructions from the helper microcontroller to the logic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.