Multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric
AssigneeAltera Corporation
InventorJeffrey C. CHROMCZAK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit including a multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric. The programmable logic fabric includes circuits of a first type operating in a first voltage domain and circuits of a second type operating in a second voltage domain. The second voltage domain has a lower supply voltage than the first voltage domain. The integrated circuit further includes downward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain and upward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed.
Claims20
An integrated circuit comprising:
- a multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric including circuits of a first type operating in a first voltage domain and circuits of a second type operating in a second voltage domain, wherein the second voltage domain has a lower supply voltage than the first voltage domain;
- downward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain;
- and
- upward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain.
A method of converting a signal from a lower-voltage domain to a higher-voltage domain in a programmable logic device, the method comprising:
- receiving a data input signal powered by a lower supply voltage of the lower-voltage domain;
- generating a clock pulse signal from a clock reference signal, the clock pulse signal providing a periodic pulse having a pulse width;
- driving the data input signal during the pulse width onto an internal node using a higher supply voltage of the higher-voltage domain;
- and
- driving a data output signal from the internal node.
A multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric comprising:
- logic blocks operating in a first voltage domain;
- interconnect circuits operating in a second voltage domain, wherein the second voltage domain has a lower supply voltage than the first voltage domain;
- downward level conversion circuit elements for driving signals from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain;
- and
- upward level conversion circuit elements for driving signals from the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.