Non-volatile and reconfigurable programmable logic devices
AssigneeLattice Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsCyrus Tsui, Benny Ma, Om P. Agrawal, Ju Shen, Sam Tsai, Jack Wong, Chan-Chi Jason Cheng
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Abstract
An integrated circuit includes non-volatile and volatile memory, with the volatile memory controlling the integrated circuit's functionality. Various techniques are disclosed for programming the different types of memory through one or more data ports to provide in-system programmability and dynamic reconfigurability. External configuration devices are not required if the data from the non-volatile memory is transferred directly to the volatile memory.
Claims26
An integrated circuit comprising:
- volatile memory adapted to configure the integrated circuit for its intended function based on configuration data stored by the volatile memory;
- non-volatile memory adapted to store data which is transferable to the volatile memory to configure the integrated circuit;
- and
- a first data port adapted to receive external data for transfer into either the volatile memory or the non-volatile memory.
A programmable logic device comprising:
- volatile memory adapted to store configuration data to configure the programmable logic device;
- non-volatile memory adapted to store data and transfer the data to the volatile memory to configure the programmable logic device;
- and
- means for receiving external data and transferring the external data to the volatile memory or the non-volatile memory.
A method of providing programming and configuration options for a programmable logic device, the method comprising:
- providing at least one data port adapted to receive configuration data;
- providing non-volatile memory, within the programmable logic device, adapted to receive the configuration data via at least one of the data ports;
- and
- providing volatile memory adapted to receive the configuration data via at least one of the data ports or via the non-volatile memory, the volatile memory further adapted to configure the programmable logic device for its intended function.
A programmable logic device comprising:
- volatile memory adapted to configure the programmable logic device for its intended function based on configuration data stored by the volatile memory;
- non-volatile memory adapted to store data which is transferable to the volatile memory to configure the programmable logic device, the non-volatile memory disposed within one or more areas of the programmable logic device that are separate from the volatile memory;
- and
- control logic adapted to transfer the data from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory to configure the programmable logic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.