Programmable logic device integrated circuits with wireless programming

A method for using configuration data loading equipment to wirelessly provide programmable logic device configuration data to an integrated circuit, comprising:

• at the configuration data loading equipment, wirelessly transmitting the programmable logic device configuration data to the integrated circuit;
• at the integrated circuit, using power conversion circuitry to convert received radio-frequency (RF) signals into direct current (DC) power that powers receiver circuitry;
• and
• at the integrated circuit, using the receiver circuitry powered by the power conversion circuitry to receive the wirelessly transmitted configuration data, wherein the integrated circuit is contained in a finished goods container and wherein using the receiver circuitry powered by the power conversion circuitry to receive the wirelessly transmitted configuration data comprises using the receiver circuitry powered by the power conversion circuitry to receive the wirelessly transmitted configuration data while the integrated circuit is contained in the finished goods container.

A configuration device integrated circuit that loads configuration data into configuration memory in a programmable logic device integrated circuit that is separate from the configuration device integrated circuit, the configuration device integrated circuit comprising:

• at least one antenna;
• power conversion circuitry and transceiver circuitry connected to the antenna, wherein the power conversion circuitry converts radio-frequency (RF) signals received through the antenna into direct current (DC) power for the transceiver circuitry and wherein the transceiver circuitry receives wirelessly-transmitted configuration data;
• memory in which the power conversion circuitry and transceiver circuitry store the wirelessly-transmitted configuration data, wherein the memory is powered by the power conversion circuitry;
• and
• loading circuitry that loads the configuration data from the memory into the configuration memory of the programmable logic device integrated circuit, wherein the transceiver transmits confirmation of successful loading of the configuration data through the antenna.