Programmable logic device having logic modules with improved register capabilities

Abstract

A PLD that has more flip flops per logic module by providing more registered outputs than combinational outputs; and/or a combinational output that can drive more than one register is disclosed. The PLD includes a plurality of logic array blocks arranged in an array and a plurality of inter-logic array block lines interconnecting the logic array blocks of the array. At least one of the logic array blocks includes at least one logic module that includes a first combinational element configured to generate a first combinational output signal in response to inputs provided to the one logic module, a first register capable of being driven by the first combinational output signal and a second register capable of being driven by the first combinational output signal. The logic module therefore has more registered outputs than combinational outputs and a combinational output that can drive more then one output register. In alternative embodiments, the logic module may have one or more combinational element configured to generate one or more combinational output signals in response to inputs provided to the one logic module and a plurality of registers capable of being driven by the one or more combinational outputs signals. In these alternative embodiments, the number of registers exceeds the number of combinational output signals in the one logic module.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.