Implementing signal processing cores as application specific processors
AssigneeAltera Corporation
InventorsRobert Jackson, Sambuddhi Hettiaratchi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently implementing signal processing cores as application specific processors. A signal processing core, such as a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) core or a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) core includes a data path and a control path. A control path is implemented using processor components to increase resource efficiency. Both the data path and the control path can be implemented using function units that are selected, parameterized, and interconnected. A variety of signal processing algorithms can be implemented on the same application specific processor.
Claims23
A method for implementing a custom processor, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of function units corresponding to components for implementing a signal processing core as an application specific processor, the signal processing core including a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data path, wherein the plurality of function units for implementing the signal processing core are selected and parameterized by a user, wherein a defined function unit from a library that approximates an undefined function unit is selected when the plurality of function units includes the undefined function unit;
- receiving interconnection information for connecting the plurality of function units;
- and
- generating a hardware description for instantiating the plurality of function units and connecting the plurality of function units.
A system for implementing a custom processor, the method comprising:
- means for receiving a plurality of function units corresponding to components for implementing a signal processing core as an application specific processor, the signal processing core including a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data path, wherein the plurality of function units for implementing the signal processing core are selected and parameterized by a user, wherein a function unit is generated to allow a user to provide a definition when the plurality of function units includes an undefined function unit;
- means for receiving interconnection information for connecting the plurality of function units;
- and
- means for generating a hardware description for instantiating the plurality of function units and connecting the plurality of function units.
A system for implementing a custom processor, the method comprising:
- an interface configured to receive a plurality of function units corresponding to components for implementing a signal processing core as an application specific processor, the signal processing core including a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data path, wherein the plurality of function units for implementing the signal processing core are selected and parameterized by a user;
- a memory configured to hold information for connecting the plurality of function units;
- and
- a processor connected to memory, the processor configured to generate a hardware description for instantiating the plurality of function units and connecting the plurality of function units, wherein a new path or a new route to an existing multiplexer is created when an undefined connection is detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.