PCMCIA card dynamically configured in first mode to program FPGA

Details PCMCIA card dynamically configured in first mode to program FPGA PCMCIA card dynamically configured in first mode to program FPGA

1997-08-08

1999-11-02

Lee, Thomas C.

Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/

Input/output data processing

Peripheral configuration

710 9, 713100, G06F 1310

Patent

active

059788623

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for dynamically configuring a PCMCIA compatible card permits new or modified configuration parameters to be loaded into an FPGA on the card. In accordance with the invention, the PCMCIA card is initially configured to operate as a memory device. While in this mode, an FPGA on the card is loaded from a host computer using memory write commands through the PCMCIA interface. Thereafter, the card is reconfigured to operate as an I/O device using the FPGA code newly loaded on the card. The invention permits new PCMCIA card designs to be quickly changed and tested by downloading code into the FPGA and operating the card as an I/O device. The nonvolatile nature of an FPGA permits the card to retain its new or modified functions even after it has been powered down. Moreover, the invention permits code changes to be made dynamically without powering down the computer.

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Clark Westmont et al., Reprogrammability Eases PCMCIA Designs, Apr. 18, 1994, "Computer Systems Special Editorial Feature", pp. 110-113.

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