Implementing programmable logic array embedded in mask-programmed ASIC
US7043713B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10D84/90
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with the invention, a method for customizing a one-time configurable integrated circuit to include a multi-time configurable structure is disclosed. Such a method includes, in one embodiment receiving a description of circuit functionality from a user for implementation in the one-time configurable device, where the functionality includes a portion that is designated by the user to be reconfigurable. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention then models a reconfigurable structure that has enough capacity to accommodate the designated functionality. Optionally, some embodiments of the invention add in more capacity than is required to implement the designated functionality to allow for future reprogramming. The method then embeds the reconfigurable structure in the one-time configurable device. In certain embodiments, the one-time configurable device can be a mask-programmed MBA, gate array, or standard cell, while the reconfigurable structure is a PLA or modified PLA.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.