Employing unused configuration memory cells as scratchpad...

Details Employing unused configuration memory cells as scratchpad... Employing unused configuration memory cells as scratchpad...

2008-12-23

2009-12-01

Tran, Andrew Q (Department: 2824)

Static information storage and retrieval

Floating gate

Particular connection

C365S185050, C326S044000, C326S039000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07626861

ABSTRACT:
A method of employing memory cells of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises steps of storing configuration data in a plurality of memory cells of a memory of the integrated circuit; selecting unused memory cells of the memory of the integrated circuit for use as a scratchpad memory; providing access to the unused memory cells of the integrated circuit; and enabling use of the unused memory cell of the integrated circuit in a user mode as scratchpad memory. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of input/output ports of the integrated circuit is coupled to a plurality of JTAG inputs coupled to the plurality of unused memory cells. A programmable logic device having memory cells for storing data, and a circuit employing a programmable logic device, are also disclosed.

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