Prefetching data based on predetermined criteria

A programmable logic device, comprising:

• a configuration memory, for storing configuration data;
• and
• a memory controller, for connection to an external memory device, wherein, when said memory controller receives a present read access request, said memory controller retrieves the data requested in said present read access request, and determines whether said present read access request is such that there is a high probability that said present read access request relates to configuration data for said programmable logic device;
• and
• said memory controller performs a prefetch operation after completing retrieval of the data requested in said present read access request if it is determined that there is a high probability that said present read access request relates to configuration data for said programmable logic device.

An electronic system, comprising a programmable logic device and an external memory device, wherein said programmable logic device comprises:

• a configuration memory, for storing configuration data;
• and
• a memory controller, for connection to said external memory device, wherein, when said memory controller receives a present read access request, said memory controller retrieves the data requested in said present read access request, and determines whether said present read access request is such that there is a high probability that said present read access request relates to configuration data for said programmable logic device;
• and
• said memory controller performs a prefetch operation after completing retrieval of the data requested in said present read access request if it is determined that there is a high probability that said present read access request relates to configuration data for said programmable logic device.