Configuration access from a boundary-scannable device
AssigneeXilinx, Inc.
InventorNeil G. Jacobson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Provision of configuration access to a programmable device such as a programmable logic device (PLD) via a boundary-scannable devices. In one embodiment a configuration controller is arranged to transfer configuration data that specify configuration access for the PLD. A scan controller is coupled to the configuration controller and arranged to generate boundary-scan signals responsive to configuration data from the configuration controller. At least one boundary-scannable device has a plurality of boundary-scan pins coupled to the scan controller, and a PLD is coupled to the boundary-scannable device.
Claims20
A system providing configuration access, comprising:
- an integrated circuit (IC) having programmable logic and a configuration port that includes a plurality of configuration pins;
- wherein the configuration pins are coupled to the programmable logic;
- a configuration controller arranged to transfer configuration data that specify configuration access for the IC;
- wherein the configuration access includes programming the programmable logic of the IC to perform a function;
- a first scan controller coupled to the configuration controller, the first scan controller arranged to generate boundary-scan signals responsive to configuration data from the configuration controller;
- wherein the configuration controller and first scan controller are external to the IC;
- at least one boundary-scannable device having a plurality of boundary-scan pins coupled to the first scan controller;
- and
- wherein each configuration pin of the IC is coupled to a respective one of the boundary-scan pins of the at least one boundary-scannable device.
A method for configuration access to an integrated circuit (IC) having programmable logic, comprising:
- transferring configuration data specifying the configuration access between a configuration controller and at least one boundary-scannable device having boundary-scan pins;
- wherein the configuration access is for the programmable logic on the IC;
- wherein the transferring between the configuration controller and the boundary-scannable device includes,
- transferring the configuration data between the configuration controller and a scan controller,
- generating by the scan controller boundary-scan signals responsive to configuration data from the configuration controller, and
- transferring the configuration data between the scan controller and the boundary-scannable device via application of the boundary-scan signals;
- wherein the configuration controller and scan controller are external to the IC;
- transferring the configuration data between the boundary-scan pins of the boundary-scannable device and configuration pins of the IC;
- and
- programming the programmable logic of the IC to perform a function in response to the configuration data received at the configuration pins of the IC.
An apparatus for configuration access to an integrated circuit (IC) having programmable logic, comprising:
- means for transferring configuration data specifying the configuration access between a configuration controller and at least one boundary-scannable device having boundary-scan pins;
- wherein the configuration access is for the programmable logic on the IC;
- wherein the means for transferring between the configuration controller and the boundary-scannable device includes,
- means for transferring the configuration data between the configuration controller and a scan controller,
- means for generating boundary-scan signals responsive to configuration data from the configuration controller, and
- means for transferring the configuration data between the scan controller and the boundary-scannable device via application of the boundary-scan signals;
- wherein the configuration controller and scan controller are external to the IC;
- means for transferring the configuration data between the boundary-scan pins of the boundary-scannable device and configuration pins of the IC;
- and
- means for programming the programmable logic of the IC to perform a function in response to the configuration data received at the configuration pins of the IC.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.