Computer-aided design and analysis of circuits and semiconductor – Nanotechnology related integrated circuit design
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-17
2003-09-30
Garbowski, Leigh M. (Department: 2825)
Computer-aided design and analysis of circuits and semiconductor
Nanotechnology related integrated circuit design
C716S030000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06629311
ABSTRACT:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the programming of programmable logic devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a technique for programming a programmable logic device with a configuration controller that operates as an interface with a configuration memory.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Programmable logic devices are well known in the art. A programmable logic device or PLD allows a user to electrically program standard, off-the-shelf logic elements to meet a user's specific needs. PLDs are currently represented by, for example, Altera's MAX® series of PLDs, FLEX® series of PLDs, and APEX® series of PLDs, each sold by Altera Corporation, San Jose, Calif.
In many PLDs, configuration data from a configuration memory is downloaded into a programmable logic device upon start-up of a system. Once the configuration data is downloaded into the programmable logic device, the programmable logic device executes the logic functions specified by the configuration data.
Controllers have been used to coordinate the transfer of configuration data from a configuration memory to a programmable logic device. One problem with such prior art controllers is that they take up space on a system board. In other words, they are not integrated with a configuration memory, and therefore produce a relatively large footprint in an electronic system. Another problem with prior art controllers is that they are relatively inflexible. For example, they do not have the ability to decompress configuration data and they do not provide programmable clock frequency control.
In view of the foregoing, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved technique for programming programmable logic devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the invention operates to configure a programmable logic device. The apparatus includes a configuration memory to store configuration data. A configuration controller retrieves the configuration data, converts the configuration data to re-formatted configuration data, and passes the re-formatted configuration data to a programmable logic device. In one embodiment, the configuration controller is positioned on the configuration memory to form a stacked module, which is positioned within a single housing.
The method of the invention configures a programmable logic device. The method includes the step of retrieving configuration data from a configuration memory. The configuration data is converted to re-formatted configuration data. The re-formatted configuration data is then passed to a programmable logic device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5159598 (1992-10-01), Welles, II et al.
patent: 6049222 (2000-04-01), Lawman
patent: 6274391 (2001-08-01), Wachtler et al.
patent: 6292018 (2001-09-01), Kean
Berlan Denis
Turner John
Altera Corporation
Garbowski Leigh M.
Levin Naum
Pennie & Edmonds LLP
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