| Altera Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120131535 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Parallel Routing Using a Multi-Threaded Routing Procedure - A method for designing a system to be implemented on a target device includes generating bounding boxes on the target device for nets in the system where a bounding box identifies routing resources available for routing its corresponding net. The nets in the system are assigned to a plurality of threads to be routed. The threads are executed so that a plurality of the nets are routed in parallel within their corresponding bounding box. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131310 | Methods And Apparatus For Independent Processor Node Operations In A SIMD Array Processor - A control processor is used for fetching and distributing single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instructions to a plurality of processing elements (PEs). One of the SIMD instructions is a thread start (Tstart) instruction, which causes the control processor to pause its instruction fetching. A local PE instruction memory (PE Imem) is associated with each PE and contains local PE instructions for execution on the local PE. Local PE Imem fetch, decode, and execute logic are associated with each PE. Instruction path selection logic in each PE is used to select between control processor distributed instructions and local PE instructions fetched from the local PE Imem. Each PE is also initialized to receive control processor distributed instructions. In addition, local hold generation logic is associated with each PE. A PE receiving a Tstart instruction causes the instruction path selection logic to switch to fetch local PE Imem instructions. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124335 | System Core for Transferring Data Between an External Device and Memory - Details of a highly cost effective and efficient implementation of a manifold array (ManArray) architecture and instruction syntax for use therewith are described herein. Various aspects of this approach include the regularity of the syntax, the relative ease with which the instruction set can be represented in database form, the ready ability with which tools can be created, the ready generation of self-checking codes and parameterized test cases. Parameterizations can be fairly easily mapped and system maintenance is significantly simplified. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120110400 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Memory Interface Calibration - A universal memory interface on an integrated circuit includes an external memory interface unit operable to perform data rate conversion for a data signal between a first rate associated with the integrated circuit and a second rate associated with a memory system. The universal memory interface also includes a sequencer unit operable to calibrate at least one of a delay for the data signal and a delay for a strobe for the data signal by executing a calibration procedure instruction. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106264 | WRITE-LEVELING IMPLEMENTATION IN PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - Circuits, methods, and apparatus for memory interfaces that compensate for skew between a clock signal and DQ/DQS signals that may be caused by a fly-by routing topology. The skew is compensated by clocking the DQ/DQS signals with a phase delayed clock signal, where the phase delay has been calibrated. In one example calibration routine, a clock signal is provided to a receiving device. A DQ/DQS signal is also provided and the timing of their reception compared. A delay of the DQ/DQS signal is changed incrementally until the DQ/DQS signal is aligned with the clock signal at the receiving device. This delay is then used during device operation to delay a signal that clocks registers providing the DQ/DQS signals. Each DQ/DQS group can be aligned to the clock, or the DQS and DQ signals in a group may be independently aligned to the clock at the receiving device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120072785 | BIT ERROR RATE CHECKER RECEIVING SERIAL DATA SIGNAL FROM AN EYE VIEWER - An IC that includes an eye viewer and a BER checker coupled to the eye viewer, where the BER checker receives a serial data signal from the eye viewer, is provided. In one implementation, the BER checker receives the serial data signal from the eye viewer without the serial data signal passing through a deserializer. In one implementation, the BER checker compares the serial data signal against a reference data signal to determine the BER for the serial data signal. In one implementation, the IC includes an IC core coupled to the eye viewer and the BER checker, where the BER checker is outside the IC core. In one implementation, the BER checker is a dedicated BER checker. In one implementation, the BER checker includes an exclusive OR gate, a programmable delay circuit coupled to the exclusive OR gate, and an error counter coupled to the exclusive OR gate. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072756 | Power Management of Components Having Clock Processing Circuits - A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120063556 | Techniques for Varying a Periodic Signal Based on Changes in a Data Rate - A circuit includes a phase detection circuit, a phase adjustment circuit, and a sampler circuit. The phase detection circuit compares a phase of a first periodic signal to a phase of a second periodic signal to generate a control signal. The phase adjustment circuit causes the phase of the second periodic signal and a phase of a third periodic signal to vary based on a variation in the control signal. The sampler circuit samples a data signal to generate a sampled data signal in response to the third periodic signal. The circuit varies a frequency of the third periodic signal to correspond to changes in a data rate of the data signal between at least three different data rates that are based on at least three data transmission protocols. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063539 | LANE-TO-LANE SKEW REDUCTION IN MULTI-CHANNEL, HIGH-SPEED, TRANSCEIVER CIRCUITRY - Controllable delay circuitry is included in each channel of multi-channel, high-speed, serial transmitter and/or receiver circuitry to compensate for or to at least help compensate for possible skew (different signal propagation time) between the various channels. In systems employing CDR circuitry, the delay circuitry may be at least partly controlled by a signal derived from the CDR circuitry to make the amount of delay effected by the delay circuitry at least partly responsive to changes in data rate detected by the CDR circuitry. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060140 | Methods and Apparatus For Single Testing Stimulus - Methods and apparatus useful for improving the performance of testing and diagnostic operations on user circuit designs potentially across multiple phases of the development lifecycle and across multiple implementation technologies are described. As one example, a single testing and diagnostic stimulus source can variously provide test pattern data to different potential instantiations of the user circuit design by supporting and selectively utilizing a number of DUT-facing communication channels. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120032276 | N-WELL/P-WELL STRAP STRUCTURES - Embodiments of N-well or P-well strap structures are disclosed with lower space requirements achieved by forming the strap on both sides of one or more floating polysilicon gate fingers. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120011344 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MATRIX DECOMPOSITIONS IN PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - A processor is adapted for performing a QR-decomposition. The processor has a program memory, a program controller, connected to the program memory to receive program instructions, and at least one processing unit. The processing unit includes a CORDIC calculation block, and has a distributed memory structure, with separate memory blocks for storing respective parameter values. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110320513 | CALCULATION OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE - Circuitry for computing a trigonometric function of an input includes circuitry for relating the input to another value to generate an intermediate value, circuitry for selecting one of the input and the intermediate value as a trigonometric input value, circuitry for determining respective initial values of a plurality of trigonometric functions for the trigonometric input value, and circuitry for deriving, based at least in part on a trigonometric identity, a final value of the first trigonometric function from the respective initial values of the plurality of trigonometric functions. The trigonometric function may be any of sine, cosine and tangent and their inverse functions. The trigonometric identities used allow a computation of a trigonometric function to be broken into pieces that either are easier to perform or can be performed more accurately. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110314265 | PROCESSORS OPERABLE TO ALLOW FLEXIBLE INSTRUCTION ALIGNMENT - Methods and apparatus are provided for optimizing a processor core. Common processor subcircuitry is used to perform calculations for various types of instructions, including branch and non-branch instructions. Increasing the commonality of calculations across different instruction types allows branch instructions to jump to byte aligned memory address even if supported instructions are multi-byte or word aligned. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110302333 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing Bit-Reversal and Multicast Functions Utilizing DMA Controller - Techniques for providing improved data distribution to and collection from multiple memories are described. Such memories are often associated with and local to processing elements (PEs) within an array processor. Improved data transfer control within a data processing system provides support for radix 2, 4 and 8 fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms through data reordering or bit-reversed addressing across multiple PEs, carried out concurrently with FFT computation on a digital signal processor (DSP) array by a DMA unit. Parallel data distribution and collection through forms of multicast and packet-gather operations are also supported. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110292950 | Input/Output Interface For Periodic Signals - A first periodic signal generation circuit generates first periodic output signals. A second periodic signal generation circuit generates second periodic output signals. A first multiplexer circuit receives the first and the second periodic output signals. An interface circuit coupled to external pins generates a third periodic output signal based on a periodic signal selected by the first multiplexer circuit. A second multiplexer circuit receives the third periodic output signal at an input. A first periodic feedback signal provided to the first periodic signal generation circuit is based on a signal selected by the second multiplexer circuit. A third multiplexer circuit receives the third periodic output signal at an input. A second periodic feedback signal provided to the second periodic signal generation circuit is based on a signal selected by the third multiplexer circuit. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110267106 | LOW-POWER ROUTING MULTIPLEXERS - Low-power routing multiplexers that reduce static and dynamic power consumption are provided. A variety of different techniques are used to reduce power consumption of the routing multiplexers without significantly increasing their size. For example, power consumption of the routing multiplexers may be reduced by reducing short-circuit currents, reducing leakage currents, limiting voltage swing, and recycling charge within the multiplexer. Multiple power reduction techniques may be combined into a single routing multiplexer design. Low-power routing multiplexers may also be designed to operate in selectable modes, such as, a high-speed, high-power mode and a low-speed, low-power mode. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110260751 | MULTIPLE DATA RATE MEMORY INTERFACE ARCHITECTURE - The present invention provides a DQS bus for implementing high speed multiple-data-rate interface architectures in programmable logic devices. The DQS bus has a balanced tree structure between at least one data strobe circuit and a plurality of I/O register blocks. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110238720 | SOLVING LINEAR MATRICES IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE - Circuitry for solving linear matrix equations involving a resultant matrix, an unknown matrix and a product matrix that is a product of the resultant matrix and the unknown matrix includes matrix decomposition circuitry for triangulating an input matrix to create a resultant matrix having a plurality of resultant matrix elements on a diagonal, and having a further plurality of resultant matrix elements arranged in columns below the resultant matrix elements on the diagonal. The matrix decomposition circuitry includes an inverse square root multiplication path that computes diagonal elements of the resultant matrix having an inverse square root module, and the said inverse square root module computes inverses of the diagonal elements to be used in multiplication in place of division by a diagonal element. Latency is hidden by operating on each nth row of a plurality of matrices prior to any (n+1)th row. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238718 | LOOK UP TABLE STRUCTURE SUPPORTING QUATERNARY ADDERS - A lookup table structure having multiple lookup tables is configured to include a quaternary adder. In particular examples, an adaptive logic module (ALM) including a fracturable lookup table (LUT) is configured to include a quaternary (4-1) adder. In some examples, only an XOR gate, an AND gate, two single bit 2-1 multiplexers, and minor connectivity changes to a LUT structure supporting a ternary (3-1) adder are needed to support 4-1 adders. Binary (2-1) and ternary adders are still supported using the original signal flows, as the ternary adder feature can be easily multiplexed out. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110235756 | SIGNAL LOSS DETECTOR FOR HIGH-SPEED SERIAL INTERFACE OF A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE - A loss-of-signal detector includes digital and analog monitoring of incoming data. The incoming signal is compared digitally to at least one predetermined pattern that may indicate a loss of signal, and also is monitored by an analog detector that detects transitions in the data. If the digital comparison fails to match any of the at least one predetermined pattern, or if transitions are detected by the analog monitoring, even if the digital comparison produces a pattern match, then loss of signal is not indicated. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110227606 | PROGRAMMABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERFACE - Methods and apparatus for providing either high-speed, or lower-speed, flexible inputs and outputs. An input and output structure having a high-speed input, a high-speed output, a low or moderate speed input, and an low or moderate speed output is provided. One of the input and output circuits are selected and the others are deselected. The high-speed input and output circuits are comparatively simple, in one example having only a clear signal for a control line input, and are able to interface to lower speed circuitry inside the core of an integrated circuit. The low or moderate speed input and output circuits are more flexible, for example, having preset, enable, and clear as control line inputs, and are able to support JTAG boundary testing. These parallel high and lower speed circuits are user selectable such that the input output structure is optimized between speed and functionality depending on the requirements of the application. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110225396 | Methods and Apparatus for Storing Expanded Width Instructions in a VLIW Memory for Deferred Execution - Techniques are described for decoupling fetching of an instruction stored in a main program memory from earliest execution of the instruction. An indirect execution method and program instructions to support such execution are addressed. In addition, an improved indirect deferred execution processor (DXP) VLIW architecture is described which supports a scalable array of memory centric processor elements that do not require local load and store units. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110225392 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing Bit-Reversal and Multicast Functions Utilizing DMA Controller - Techniques for providing improved data distribution to and collection from multiple memories are described. Such memories are often associated with and local to processing elements (PEs) within an array processor. Improved data transfer control within a data processing system provides support for radix 2, 4 and 8 fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms through data reordering or bit-reversed addressing across multiple PEs, carried out concurrently with FFT computation on a digital signal processor (DSP) array by a DMA unit. Parallel data distribution and collection through forms of multicast and packet-gather operations are also supported. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110225224 | Efficient Complex Multiplication and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Implementation on the ManArray Architecture - Efficient computation of complex multiplication results and very efficient fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) are provided. A parallel array VLIW digital signal processor is employed along with specialized complex multiplication instructions and communication operations between the processing elements which are overlapped with computation to provide very high performance operation. Successive iterations of a loop of tightly packed VLIWs are used allowing the complex multiplication pipeline hardware to be efficiently used. In addition, efficient techniques for supporting combined multiply accumulate operations are described. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110219210 | System Core for Transferring Data Between an External Device and Memory - Details of a highly cost effective and efficient implementation of a manifold array (ManArray) architecture and instruction syntax for use therewith are described herein. Various aspects of this approach include the regularity of the syntax, the relative ease with which the instruction set can be represented in database form, the ready ability with which tools can be created, the ready generation of self-checking codes and parameterized test cases. Parameterizations can be fairly easily mapped and system maintenance is significantly simplified. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110219052 | DISCRETE FOURIER TRANSFORM IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE - Circuitry performing Discrete Fourier Transforms. The circuitry can be provided in a fixed logic device, or can be configured into a programmable integrated circuit device such as a programmable logic device. The circuitry includes a floating-point addition stage for adding mantissas of input values of the Discrete Fourier Transform operation, and a fixed-point stage for multiplying outputs of the floating-point addition stage by twiddle factors. The fixed-point stage includes memory for storing a plurality of sets of twiddle factors, each of those sets including copies of a respective twiddle factor shifted by different amounts, and circuitry for determining a difference between exponents of the outputs of the floating-point stage, and for using that difference as an index to select from among those copies of that respective twiddle factor in each of the sets. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110213952 | Methods and Apparatus for Dynamic Instruction Controlled Reconfigurable Register File - A scalable reconfigurable register file (SRRF) containing multiple register files, read and write multiplexer complexes, and a control unit operating in response to instructions is described. Multiple address configurations of the register files are supported by each instruction and different configurations are operable simultaneously during a single instruction execution. For example, with separate files of the size 32×32 supported configurations of 128×32 bit s, 64×64 bit s and 32×128 bit s can be in operation each cycle. Single width, double width, quad width operands are optimally supported without increasing the register file size and without increasing the number of register file read or write ports. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213937 | Methods and Apparatus for Address Translation Functions - Techniques are described for efficient reordering of data and performing data exchanges within a register tile or memory, or in general, any device storing data that is accessible through a set of addressable locations. In one technique, an address translator is placed in the path of all or a selected set of address busses to a storage device to provide a programmable and selectable means of translating the storage device addresses. An effect of this translation is that the data stored in one pattern may be accessed and stored in another pattern or accessed, processed and stored in another pattern. The address translation operation may be carried out in a single cycle, does not involve the physical movement of data in swap operations, allows data to effectively be ordered more efficiently for algorithmic processing and therefore saves power. Address translation functions are shown to be useful for vector operations and a new type of storage unit using built in address translation functions is presented. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110211621 | HETEROGENEOUS TRANSCEIVER ARCHITECTURE FOR WIDE RANGE PROGRAMMABILITY OF PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - High-speed serial data transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes some channels that are able to operate at data rates up to a first, relatively low maximum data rate, and other channels that are able to operate at data rates up to a second, relatively high maximum data rate. The relatively low-speed channels are served by relatively low-speed phase locked loop (“PLL”) circuitry, and have other circuit components that are typically needed for handling data that is transmitted at relatively low data rates. The relatively high-speed channels are served by relatively high-speed PLLs, and have other circuit components that are typically needed for handling data that is transmitted at relatively high data rates. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110204924 | Techniques For Measuring Voltages in a Circuit - A circuit includes a comparator, a resistor divider, a control circuit, a multiplexer, and a programmable gain amplifier. The comparator is operable to measure an internal voltage of the circuit based on a selected reference voltage. The resistor divider is operable to generate reference voltages. The control circuit is operable to generate a select signal based on an output signal of the comparator. The multiplexer is operable to select one of the reference voltages from the resistor divider as the selected reference voltage based on the select signal. The programmable gain amplifier is configurable to generate a compensation voltage to compensate for an offset voltage of the comparator. The compensation voltage is provided to an input of the comparator. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204476 | Electronic Package with Fluid Flow Barriers - The present invention is directed to a method and electronic computer package that is formed by placing an integrated circuit, having a plurality of bonding pads with solder bumps deposited thereon, in contact with the substrate so that one of the plurality of solder bumps is in superimposition with respect to one of the contacts and one of the plurality of bonding pads, with a volume being defined between region of the substrate in superimposition with the integrated circuit. A portion of the volume is filled with a quantity of underfill. A fluid flow bather is formed on the substrate and defines a perimeter of the volume, defining a flow restricted region. The fluid flow barrier has dimensions sufficient to control the quantity of underfill egressing from the flow restricted region. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110188564 | DIGITAL ADAPTATION CIRCUITRY AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - Equalization of an incoming data signal can be controlled by sampling that signal at times when data values in that signal should be stable (“data samples”) and when that signal should be in transition between successive data values that are different (“transition samples”). A transition sample that has been taken between two successive differently valued data samples is compared to a reference value (which can be one of those two data samples). The result of this comparison can be used as part of a determination as to whether to increase or decrease equalization of the incoming data signal. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110172983 | METHOD FOR INCORPORATING PATTERN DEPENDENT EFFECTS IN CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS - Methods, software, and apparatus for providing a netlist for simulation that includes one or more parameters that are determined by one or more pattern dependent effects. One particular embodiment of the present invention receives a layout of a circuit including one or more MOSFET transistors. For one or more of the MOSFET transistors, spacing between transistors is measured using the received layout and a pattern dependent parameter is determined. This parameter modifies the length of the gate that is used in simulation. In other embodiments, other pattern dependent effects can be used to determine the values of one or more parameters. These parameters may be used to modify gate length, emitter size, resistor width, or other device characteristics. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110161389 | LARGE MULTIPLIER FOR PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE - A plurality of specialized processing blocks in a programmable logic device, including multipliers and circuitry for adding results of those multipliers, can be configured as a larger multiplier by adding to the specialized processing blocks selectable circuitry for shifting multiplier results before adding. In one embodiment, this allows all but the final addition to take place in specialized processing blocks, with the final addition occurring in programmable logic. In another embodiment, additional compression and adding circuitry allows even the final addition to occur in the specialized processing blocks. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110153998 | Methods and Apparatus for Attaching Application Specific Functions Within an Array Processor - A multi-node video signal processor (VSP | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153890 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing Data Transfer Control - A variety of advantageous mechanisms for improved data transfer control within a data processing system are described. A DMA controller is described which is implemented as a multiprocessing transfer engine supporting multiple transfer controllers which may work independently or in cooperation to carry out data transfers, with each transfer controller acting as an autonomous processor, fetching and dispatching DMA instructions to multiple execution units. In particular, mechanisms for initiating and controlling the sequence of data transfers are provided, as are processes for autonomously fetching DMA instructions which are decoded sequentially but executed in parallel. Dual transfer execution units within each transfer controller, together with independent transfer counters, are employed to allow decoupling of source and destination address generation and to allow multiple transfer instructions in one transfer execution unit to operate in parallel with a single transfer instruction in the other transfer unit. Improved flow control of data between a source and destination is provided through the use of special semaphore operations, signals and message synchronization which may be invoked explicitly using SIGNAL and WAIT type instructions or implicitly through the use of special “event-action” registers. Transfer controllers are also described which can cooperate to perform “DMA-to-DMA” transfers. Message-level synchronization can be used by transfer controllers to synchronize with each other. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110138240 | ERROR DETECTION ON PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC RESOURCES - Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110138223 | PREVENTING INFORMATION LEAKAGE BETWEEN COMPONENTS ON A PROGRAMMABLE CHIP IN THE PRESENCE OF FAULTS - Mechanisms are provided to prevent information leakage between components implemented on a programmable chip such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). An automated routing algorithm is effective at enforcing security restrictions with minimal input form the user while providing efficient utilization of the device. Compatible sets of signals are identified and locked, and reservations of routing resources are generated. Remaining signals are rerouted until all signal constraints are met. Specified security constraints with one or more security levels and one or more secure regions may be applied through iterations of the automated routing mechanism. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110083001 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED GENERATION OF ABBREVIATED INSTRUCTION SET AND CONFIGURABLE PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURE - A systematic approach to architecture and design of the instruction fetch mechanisms and instruction set architectures in embedded processors is described. This systematic approach allows a relaxing of certain restrictions normally imposed by a fixed-size instruction set architecture (ISA) on design and development of an embedded system. The approach also guarantees highly efficient usage of the available instruction storage which is only bounded by the actual information contents of an application or its entropy. The result of this efficiency increase is a general reduction of the storage requirements, or a compression, of the instruction segment of the original application. An additional feature of this system is the full decoupling of the ISA from the core architecture. This decoupling allows usage of a variable length encoding for any size of the ISA without impacting the physical instruction memory organization or layout and branching mechanism as well as tuning of the execution core to the application. A hardware embodiment described herein allows application of the above mentioned high-entropy encoding technique in actual embedded processor using today's technology without posing significant strain on timing requirements. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110074477 | Techniques for Providing Reduced Duty Cycle Distortion - A feedback loop circuit includes a phase detector and delay circuits. The phase detector generates an output signal based on a delayed periodic signal. The delay circuits are coupled in a delay chain that delays the delayed periodic signal. Each of the delay circuits comprises variable delay blocks and fixed delay blocks that are coupled to form at least two delay paths for an input signal through the delay circuit to generate a delayed output signal. Delays of the variable delay blocks in the delay circuits vary based on the output signal of the phase detector. Each of the delay circuits reroutes the input signal through a different one of the delay paths to generate the delayed output signal based on the output signal of the phase detector during operation of the feedback loop circuit. Each of the variable delay blocks and the fixed delay blocks is inverting. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110072250 | Methods and Apparatus for Scalable Array Processor Interrupt Detection and Response - Hardware and software techniques for interrupt detection and response in a scalable pipelined array processor environment are described. Utilizing these techniques, a sequential program execution model with interrupts can be maintained in a highly parallel scalable pipelined array processing containing multiple processing elements and distributed memories and register files. When an interrupt occurs, interface signals are provided to all PEs to support independent interrupt operations in each PE dependent upon the local PE instruction sequence prior to the interrupt. Processing/element exception interrupts are supported and low latency interrupt processing is also provided for embedded systems where real time signal processing is required. Further, a hierarchical interrupt structure is used allowing a generalized debug approach using debut interrupts and a dynamic debut monitor mechanism. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20100318775 | Methods and Apparatus for Adapting Pipeline Stage Latency Based on Instruction Type - Processor pipeline controlling techniques are described which take advantage of the variation in critical path lengths of different instructions to achieve increased performance. By examining a processor's instruction set and execution unit implementation's critical timing paths, instructions are classified into speed classes. Based on these speed classes, one pipeline is presented where hold signals are used to dynamically control the pipeline based on the instruction class in execution. An alternative pipeline supporting multiple classes of instructions is presented where the pipeline clocking is dynamically changed as a result of decoded instruction class signals. A single pass synthesis methodology for multi-class execution stage logic is also described. For dynamic class variable pipeline processors, the mix of instructions can have a great effect on processor performance and power utilization since both can vary by the program mix of instruction classes. Application code can be given new degrees of optimization freedom where instruction class and the mix of instructions can be chosen based on performance and power requirements. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100262877 | Techniques for Boundary Scan Testing Using Transmitters and Receivers - A test driver transmitter drives a test signal through a resistive termination circuit to a first pin to test components on a board during a boundary scan test operation. A test receiver receives the test signal through a second pin and a pass gate coupled to the second pin during the boundary scan test operation. A test signal is transmitted to the test receiver during loopback operation through a loopback circuit. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100260501 | BIDIRECTIONAL WAVELENGTH CROSS CONNECT ARCHITECTURES USING WAVELENGTH ROUTING ELEMENTS - Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100251229 | PROCESSORS AND COMPILING METHODS FOR PROCESSORS - A compiling method compiles an object program to be executed by a processor having a plurality of execution units operable in parallel. In the method a first availability chain is created from a producer instruction (p | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100251201 | INTERACTIVE SIMPLIFICATION OF SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN - The interactive grouping tool offers the flexibility to simplify the schematic diagram of an integrated circuit (IC) design by grouping circuit elements that are not specified to be of interest into entities of any size. Circuit elements of various types and functionalities, including ports and pins, can be combined together into the same entity without modifying the underlying design logic and connectivity. By grouping and hiding the unnecessary details, the tool reduces clutter in a schematic diagram and greatly eases the process of traversing, debugging, and analyzing the schematic diagram. Users can choose to dynamically group the circuit elements on the schematic diagram without going through any compilation or synthesis process. Users can also choose to revert any of the entities back to the original schematic diagram with the ungrouping operation. For specific or batch manipulation of the schematic diagram, the tool provides a scripting interface for users to enter commands. The content of selected entities can be changed by using the drag-and-drop technique for certain operations including moving nodes into, removing nodes from, and adding nodes into an entity. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100238999 | Methods and Apparatus for Video Decoding - Techniques for performing the processing of blocks of video in multiple stages. Each stage is executed for blocks of data in the frame that need to go through that stage, based on the coding type, before moving to the next stage. This order of execution allows blocks of data to be processed in a nonsequential order, unless the blocks need to go through the same processing stages. Multiple processing elements (PEs) operating in SIMD mode executing the same task and operating on different blocks of data may be utilized, avoiding idle times for the PEs. In another aspect, inverse scan and dequantization operations for blocks of data are merged in a single procedure operating on multiple PEs operating in SIMD mode. This procedure makes efficient use of the multiple PEs and speeds up processing by combining two operations, inverse scan (reordering) and dequantization, which load the execution units differently. The reordering loads mainly the load and store units of the PEs, while the dequantization loads mainly other units. By combining the inverse scan and dequantization in an efficient VLIW packing performance, processing gain is achieved. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100225349 | Techniques for Providing Calibrated On-Chip Termination Impedance - Techniques are provided for calibrating on-chip termination impedances on integrated circuits. An on-chip termination (OCT) calibration circuit generates calibration codes that selectively control the conductive states of a set of transistors coupled in parallel. The OCT calibration circuit selects a calibration code that causes the impedance of the transistors to be near a matching impedance. The selected calibration code controls an on-chip termination impedance at a pin. According to some embodiments, the OCT calibration circuit compares a signal from the transistors to two or more reference signals to improve the tolerance range of the calibrated on-chip termination impedance. According to other embodiments, the OCT calibration circuit selects a calibration code based on a signal from the transistors after an extra transistor is turned on by a control signal. The control signal is not used to control the on-chip termination impedance. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100223445 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MATRIX DECOMPOSITIONS IN PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - A processor is adapted for performing a QR-decomposition. The processor has a program memory, a program controller, connected to the program memory to receive program instructions, and at least one processing unit. The processing unit includes a CORDIC calculation block, and has a distributed memory structure, with separate memory blocks for storing respective parameter values. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100215086 | Multi-protocol channel-aggregated configurable transceiver in an integrated circuit - Embodiments in the disclosure include a multi-protocol transceiver including a configurable arrangement of receive and/or transmit circuitry. An exemplary transceiver can be selectively configured to effectively transmit and/or receive data communications corresponding to a select one of a plurality of high-speed communication protocols. Another more particular embodiment disclosed includes a configurable data path through link-wide Physical Coding Sub-layer (“PCS”) circuitry including link-wide clock compensation, encoding/decoding, and scrambling/descrambling circuitry and lane striping/de-striping circuitry; the configurable data path further includes lane-wide circuitry including clock compensation, encoding/decoding, receive block sync, and Physical Medium Access sub-layer (“PMA”) circuitry, and further includes bit muxing/de-muxing circuitry coupled to Physical Medium Dependent (“PMD”) sub-layer circuitry. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100207659 | FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAY WITH INTEGRATED APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FABRIC - A field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) is provided having integrated application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) fabric. The ASIC fabric may be used to implement one or more custom or semi-custom hard blocks within the FPGA. The ASIC fabric can be made up of a “custom region” and an “interface region.” The custom region can implement the custom or semi-custom ASIC design and the interface region can integrate and connect the custom region to the rest of the FPGA circuitry. The custom region may be based on a structured ASIC design. The interface region may allow the ASIC fabric to be incorporated within the hierarchical organization of the FPGA, allowing the custom region to connect to the FPGA circuitry in a seamless manner. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100177560 | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CIRCUIT INCLUDING VOLTAGE DIVIDER WITH PHASE CHANGE MEMORY DEVICES - A memory circuit including a voltage divider with a first phase change memory (PCM) device and a second PCM device coupled to the first PCM device is described. In one embodiment, the first PCM device is in a set resistance state and the second PCM device is in a reset resistance state. Also, in one embodiment, the voltage divider further includes a first switch coupled to the first PCM device and a second switch coupled to the first switch and the second PCM device. In one embodiment, the memory circuit further includes a half latch coupled to the voltage divider and a cascade transistor coupled to the half latch and the voltage divider. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100148881 | Digital Calibration Techniques for Segmented Capacitor Arrays - An apparatus includes phase detection circuitry that generates control signals in response to an input clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The apparatus also includes a clock signal generation circuit that includes fine and coarse capacitors. The clock signal generation circuit changes a capacitance of the capacitors that are affecting the output clock signal in response to a change in the control signals. The apparatus also includes measurement circuitry that determines a calibration number of the fine capacitors having a combined capacitance that most closely matches a capacitance of one of the coarse capacitors. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100121899 | Methods and apparatus for efficient complex long multiplication and covariance matrix implementation - Efficient computation of complex long multiplication results and an efficient calculation of a covariance matrix are described. A parallel array VLIW digital signal processor is employed along with specialized complex long multiplication instructions and communication operations between the processing elements which are overlapped with computation to provide very high performance operation. Successive iterations of a loop of tightly packed VLIWs may be used allowing the complex multiplication pipeline hardware to be efficiently used. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100090774 | Techniques For Providing Option Conductors to Connect Components in an Oscillator Circuit - An oscillator circuit includes transistors that are cross-coupled through routing conductors in a first conductive layer. The oscillator circuit also includes a varactor, a capacitor, and an option conductor in a second conductive layer. The option conductor forms at least a portion of a connection between one of the transistors and the capacitor or the varactor. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100082891 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH PROGRAMMABLE DEVICES - A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100073094 | Techniques For Generating Fractional Clock Signals - A circuit includes phase detection circuitry, a clock signal generation circuit, a first frequency divider, and a second frequency divider. The phase detection circuitry compares an input clock signal to a feedback signal to generate a control signal. The clock signal generation circuit generates a periodic output signal in response to the control signal. The first frequency divider divides a frequency of the periodic output signal by a first value to generate a first frequency divided signal. The second frequency divider divides the frequency of the periodic output signal by a second value to generate a second frequency divided signal. The first and the second frequency divided signals are routed to the phase detection circuitry as the feedback signal during different time intervals. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073060 | PHASE SHIFT CIRCUIT WITH LOWER INTRINSIC DELAY - A phase shift circuit that includes two, rather than four, delay chains and corresponding selectors is described. This provides a significant area savings and reduces the intrinsic delay of the phase shift circuit, which is particularly beneficial for embodiments in which there is no intrinsic delay matching. In one implementation, the phase shift circuit includes a first delay circuit and a matching delay circuit. The first delay circuit provides a first delay that includes a first intrinsic delay and a first intentional delay. The delay matching circuit provides a matching delay that matches the first intrinsic delay. In one implementation, the phase shift circuit also includes a second delay circuit to provide a second delay that includes a second intrinsic delay and second intentional delay, where the second intrinsic delay matches the first intrinsic delay and the second intentional delay is half as long as the first intentional delay. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073054 | Techniques For Digital Loop Filters - A digital loop filter includes a fine control circuit and a coarse control circuit. The fine control circuit adjusts a phase of a feedback clock signal by a first phase adjustment in response to a first phase error signal that indicates a sign of a phase error between a reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal. The coarse control circuit adjusts the phase of the feedback clock signal by a second phase adjustment in response to a second phase error signal. The second phase adjustment is larger than the first phase adjustment. The second phase error signal indicates a magnitude of a phase error between the reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100061166 | DYNAMIC REAL-TIME DELAY CHARACTERIZATION AND CONFIGURATION - In mask programmable integrated circuit, such as a structured ASIC, a delay chain provides a delay that is set by a mask programmable switch. The delay chain receives an input to allow the delay mask programmed delay to be overridden using a JTAG controller. This allows testing of different delays. The input may also be provided by a fuse block, so that the fuse block can override the mask programmable switch, thus allowing a delay to be changes after mask programming. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060309 | MULTI-ROW BLOCK SUPPORTING ROW LEVEL REDUNDANCY IN A PLD - In a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a multi-row block that has internal logic connections between rows has redundant internal connections between rows to replace the internal logic connections when a fault occurs. The redundant internal logic connections extend through a row, linking the row above a defective row with a row below the defective row. Elements in a multi-row block are configurable to perform a default function and a function of an element in a neighboring row, if the functions are different. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100058099 | HETEROGENEOUS TRANSCEIVER ARCHITECTURE FOR WIDE RANGE PROGRAMMABILITY OF PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - High-speed serial data transceiver circuitry on a programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes some channels that are able to operate at data rates up to a first, relatively low maximum data rate, and other channels that are able to operate at data rates up to a second, relatively high maximum data rate. The relatively low-speed channels are served by relatively low-speed phase locked loop (“PLL”) circuitry, and have other circuit components that are typically needed for handling data that is transmitted at relatively low data rates. The relatively high-speed channels are served by relatively high-speed PLLs, and have other circuit components that are typically needed for handling data that is transmitted at relatively high data rates. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100045349 | PROGRAMMABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERFACE - Methods and apparatus for providing either high-speed, or lower-speed, flexible inputs and outputs. An input and output structure having a high-speed input, a high-speed output, a low or moderate speed input, and an low or moderate speed output is provided. One of the input and output circuits are selected and the others are deselected. The high-speed input and output circuits are comparatively simple, in one example having only a clear signal for a control line input, and are able to interface to lower speed circuitry inside the core of an integrated circuit. The low or moderate speed input and output circuits are more flexible, for example, having preset, enable, and clear as control line inputs, and are able to support JTAG boundary testing. These parallel high and lower speed circuits are user selectable such that the input output structure is optimized between speed and functionality depending on the requirements of the application. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100023729 | IMPLEMENTING SIGNAL PROCESSING CORES AS APPLICATION SPECIFIC PROCESSORS - 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. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100008168 | PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL BLOCK FOR DUAL PORT SRAM APPLICATION - A dual-port static random access memory (SRAM) includes a multitude of programmable delay elements disposed along the paths of a number signals used to carry out read, write or read-then-write operations. At least one of the programmable delay elements controls the timing margin between a pair of clock signals that trigger a read/write enable signal. A second programmable delay element coarsely adjusts the delay of a first signal associated with a dummy bitline. A third programmable delay element finely adjusts the delay of a second signal associated with the dummy bitline. A fourth programmable delay element controls the delay of a signal used to reset the read/write enable signal. During a read operation, the voltage level of the second signal is used as an indicator to activate the sense amplifiers. During a write operation, the voltage level of the second signal is used to control the write cycle. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100006904 | Apparatus and Method for Input/Output Module That Optimizes Frequency Performance in a Circuit - A circuit can include a module having signal pads that are configurable to route signals between the circuit and at least one external device. The module can also have unused pads that are interleaved between the signal pads. A circuit can include a module having signal pads that are configurable to route varying signals between the circuit and at least one external device. The module can also have voltage pads that are configurable to route substantially constant voltages between at least one external device and the circuit. The signal pads can be interleaved between the voltage pads. A module with one or more of these features can achieve ideal performance in both wire bond and flip chip packages with the flexibility of setting a different input/output utilization percentage within the module. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090302888 | INCREASED SENSITIVITY AND REDUCED OFFSET VARIATION IN HIGH DATA RATE HSSI RECEIVER - Signal offset variation caused by transistor variation/mismatch in integrated circuits may be reduced. In one embodiment, a buffer circuit has variable-valued circuits elements. Offset variation measurements are made and the variable-valued circuit elements are calibrated to reduce the measured offset variation. In another embodiment, each amplifying stage of a multi-stage buffer provides variable gain. The total DC gain of the cascade is distributed unevenly across the stages, with more DC gain being provided by amplifier stages at the beginning of the cascade than at the end. An additional pre-amplifier stage can also be provided at the beginning of the cascade. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090300229 | Methods and Apparatus for Providing Data Transfer Control - A variety of advantageous mechanisms for improved data transfer control within a data processing system are described. A DMA controller is described which is implemented as a multiprocessing transfer engine supporting multiple transfer controllers which may work independently or in cooperation to carry out data transfers, with each transfer controller acting as an autonomous processor, fetching and dispatching DMA instructions to multiple execution units. In particular, mechanisms for initiating and controlling the sequence of data transfers are provided, as are processes for autonomously fetching DMA instructions which are decoded sequentially but executed in parallel. Dual transfer execution units within each transfer controller, together with independent transfer counters, are employed to allow decoupling of source and destination address generation and to allow multiple transfer instructions in one transfer execution unit to operate in parallel with a single transfer instruction in the other transfer unit. Improved flow control of data between a source and destination is provided through the use of special semaphore operations, signals and message synchronization which may be invoked explicitly using SIGNAL and WAIT type instructions or implicitly through the use of special “event-action” registers. Transfer controllers are also described which can cooperate to perform “DMA-to-DMA” transfers. Message-level synchronization can be used by transfer controllers to synchronize with each other. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090296503 | READ-LEVELING IMPLEMENTATIONS FOR DDR3 APPLICATIONS ON AN FPGA - Circuits, methods, and apparatus for transferring data from a device's input clock domain to a core clock domain. One example achieves this by using a retiming element between input and core circuits. The retiming element is calibrated by incrementally sweeping a delay and receiving data at each increment. Minimum and maximum delays where data is received without errors are averaged. This average can then be used to adjust the timing of a circuit element inserted in an input path between an input register clocked by an input strobe signal and an output register clocked by a core clock signal. In one example, an input signal may be delayed by an amount corresponding to the delay setting. In other examples, each input signal is registered using an intermediate register between the input register and the output register, where a clock signal is delayed by an amount corresponding to the delay setting. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090292938 | Power Management of Components Having Clock Processing Circuits - A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms. In one form, this data is determined a priori from simulations or experiments made on a particular VRM or power supply unit and used to generate and store parameters that are known to optimally (quickly and without degradation of VRM or power supply performance) change the frequency of the clock processing circuit. In another form, the operation conditions of the VRM or power supply unit are monitored in real-time as a frequency transition is occurring. In addition, control signals to a VRM or power supply may be monitored to control how changes are made to the frequency of a clock signal. Further still, the power available from a VRM or power supply is monitored and a clock signal frequency to one or more system components is controlled to balance the load to the power available from the VRM or power supply. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090285275 | SIGNAL ADJUSTMENT RECEIVER CIRCUITRY - Systems and methods for adjusting a signal received from a communication path are disclosed. A receiver can receive a signal from a communication path which attenuates at least some frequency components of the signal. The receiver can include an equalization block that adjusts at least some of the frequency content of the received signal, a signal normalization block that provides a normalized signal amplitude and/or a normalized edge slope, and a control block. In one embodiment, the control block controls frequency adjustment in the equalization block for high frequencies but not for low frequencies. For low frequency adjustment, the control block controls the normalized signal amplitude in the signal normalization block. In this manner, controlled adjustment for low frequency content is performed in the signal normalization block. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090284292 | SIGNAL ADJUSTMENT RECEIVER CIRCUITRY - Systems and methods for adjusting a signal received from a communication path are disclosed. A receiver can receive a signal from a communication path which attenuates at least some frequency components of the signal. The receiver can include an equalization block that adjusts at least some of the frequency content of the received signal, a signal normalization block that provides a normalized signal amplitude and/or a normalized edge slope, and a control block. In one embodiment, the control block controls frequency adjustment in the equalization block for high frequencies but not for low frequencies. For low frequency adjustment, the control block controls the normalized signal amplitude in the signal normalization block. In this manner, controlled adjustment for low frequency content is performed in the signal normalization block. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090282306 | ERROR DETECTION ON PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC RESOURCES - Error detection circuitry is provided on a programmable logic resource. Programmable logic resource configuration data is loaded into a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) module where a checksum calculation may be performed. In one embodiment, the checksum may be compared to an expected value, which is a precomputed checksum on data prior to being programmed into or while data is being programmed into a programmable logic resource. In another embodiment, the expected value may be included in the checksum calculation. An output indicating whether an error is detected may be generated depending on the relationship between the checksum and the expected value, or on the value of the checksum. This output may be sent to an output pin that is accessible by user logic. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090279597 | DIGITAL EQUALIZER FOR HIGH-SPEED SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS - Incoming data at a high-speed serial receiver is digitized and then digital signal processing (DSP) techniques may be used to perform digital equalization. Such digital techniques may be used to correct various data anomalies. In particular, in a multi-channel system, where crosstalk may be of concern, knowledge of the characteristics of the other channels, or even the data on those channels, may allow crosstalk to be subtracted out. Knowledge of data channel geometries, particularly in the context of backplane transmissions, may allow echoes and reflections caused by connectors to be subtracted out. As data rates increase, fractional rate processing can be employed. For example, the analog-to-digital conversion can be performed at half-rate and then two DSPs can be used in parallel to maintain throughput at the higher initial clock rate. At even higher rates, quadrature techniques can allow analog-to-digital conversion at quarter-rate, with four DSPs used in parallel. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090276576 | Methods and Apparatus storing expanded width instructions in a VLIW memory for deferred execution - Techniques are described for decoupling fetching of an instruction stored in a main program memory from earliest execution of the instruction. An indirect execution method and program instructions to support such execution arc addressed. In addition, an improved indirect deferred execution processor (DXP) VLIW architecture is described which supports a scalable array of memory centric processor elements that do not require local load and store units. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090267645 | PASSGATE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN LOW-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS - Enhanced passgate structures for use in low-voltage systems are presented in which the influence of V | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090261862 | Techniques For Measuring Voltages in a Circuit - A circuit can include a comparator, a resistor divider, a control circuit, and a multiplexer. The comparator compares an internal supply voltage of the circuit to a selected reference voltage. The resistor divider generates reference voltages. The control circuit receives an output signal of the comparator and generates a select signal. The multiplexer transmits one of the reference voltages from the resistor divider to the comparator as the selected reference voltage in response to the select signal. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090259463 | Methods and Apparatus for Efficient Vocoder Implementations - Techniques for implementing vocoders in parallel digital signal processors are described. A preferred approach is implemented in conjunction with the BOPS® Manifold Array (ManArray™) processing architecture so that in an array of N parallel processing elements, N channels of voice communication are processed in parallel. Techniques for forcing vocoder processing of one dataframe to take the same number of cycles are described. Improved throughput and lower clock rates can be achieved. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090257445 | PLD ARCHITECTURE OPTIMIZED FOR 10G ETHERNET PHYSICAL LAYER SOLUTION - An integrated circuit (e.g., a programmable integrated circuit such as a programmable microcontroller, a programmable logic device, etc.) includes programmable circuitry and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) transceiver circuitry. The programmable circuitry and the transceiver circuitry may be configured to implement the physical (PHY) layer of the 10GbE networking specification. This integrated circuit may then be coupled to an optical transceiver module in order to transmit and receive 10 GbE optical signals. The transceiver circuitry and interface circuitry that connects the transceiver circuitry with the programmable circuitry may be hard-wired or partially hard-wired. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090240917 | Method and apparatus for matrix decomposition in programmable logic devices - A processor is adapted for performing a QR-decomposition. The processor has a program memory, a program controller, connected to the program memory to receive program instructions, and at least one processing unit. The processing unit includes a CORDIC calculation block, and has a distributed memory structure, with separate memory blocks for storing respective parameter values. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090161738 | Transceiver system with reduced latency uncertainty - A transceiver system with reduced latency uncertainty is described. In one implementation, the transceiver system has a word aligner latency uncertainty of zero. In another implementation, the transceiver system has a receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty of zero. In yet another implementation, the transceiver system has a word aligner latency uncertainty of zero and a receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty of zero. In one specific implementation, the receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty is eliminated by using the transmitter parallel clock as a feedback signal in the transmitter phase locked loop (PLL). In one implementation, this is achieved by optionally making the transmitter divider, which generates the transmitter parallel clock, part of the feedback path of the transmitter PLL. In one implementation, the word aligner latency uncertainty is eliminated by using a bit slipper to slip bits in such a way so that the total delay due to the word alignment and bit slipping is constant for all phases of the recovered clock. This allows for having a fixed and known latency between the receipt and transmission of bits for all phases of parallelization by the deserializer. In one specific implementation, the total delay due to the bit shifting by the word aligner and the bit slipping by the bit slipper is zero since the bit slipper slips bits so as to compensate for the bit shifting that was performed by the word aligner. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090146688 | Methods of reducing power in programmable devices using low voltage swing for routing signals - Reduced voltage swing signal path circuitry is provided that lowers the internal signaling power consumption of the interconnection resources of a programmable logic device. The reduced voltage swing signal path circuitry includes a reversed routing driver circuitry to limit the voltage range of the output signal of the driver circuitry. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090141787 | ADAPTIVE EQUALIZATION METHODS AND APPARATUS - A system includes a programmable transmitter device (e.g., a PLD) connected to a programmable receiver device (e.g., another PLD) via a transmission medium for transmitting a high-speed data signal from the transmitter to the receiver. During a test mode of operation a low-speed communication link between the transmitter and receiver allows those devices to work together to transmit test signals having known characteristics from the transmitter to the receiver via the transmission medium, to analyze the test signals as received by the receiver, and to adjust at least some aspect of the system (e.g., equalizer circuitry in the receiver) to at least partly compensate for losses in the test signals as received by the receiver. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090138696 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING STATIC AND TOTAL POWER CONSUMPTION - A method and system for reducing power consumption in a programmable logic device (PLD) is provided. The power consumption may be reduced by preferably continually considering power consumption as a factor in circuit design during the technology mapping, routing, and period following routing of the programmable logic device. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090119489 | Methods and Apparatus for Transforming, Loading, and Executing Super-Set Instructions - Techniques are described for loading decoded instructions and super-set instructions in a memory for later access. For loading a decoded instruction, the decoded instruction is a transformed form of an original instruction that was stored in the program memory. The transformation is from an encoded assembly level format to a binary machine level format. In one technique, the transformation mechanism is invoked by a transform and load instruction that causes an instruction retrieved from program memory to be transformed into a new language format and then loaded into a transformed instruction memory. The format of the transformed instruction may be optimized to the implementation requirements, such as improving critical path timing. The transformation of instructions may extend to other needs beyond timing path improvement, for example, requiring super-set instructions for increased functionality and improvements to instruction level parallelism. Techniques for transforming, loading, and executing super-set instructions are described. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090100122 | SATURATION AND ROUNDING IN MULTIPLY-ACCUMULATE BLOCKS - Saturation and rounding capabilities are implemented in MAC blocks to provide rounded and saturated outputs of multipliers and of add-subtract-accumulate circuits implemented using DSP. These features support any suitable format of value representation, including the x.15 format. Circuitry within the multipliers and the add-subtract-accumulate circuits implement the rounding and saturation features of the present invention. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090063606 | Methods and Apparatus for Single Stage Galois Field Operations - Techniques for single function stage Galois field (GF) computations are described. The new single function stage GF multiplication requires only m-bits per internal logic stage, a savings of m−1 bits per logic stage that do not have to be accounted for as compared with a previous two function stage approach. Also, a common design CF multiplication cell is described that may be suitably used to construct an m-by-m GF multiplication array for the calculation of GF[2 | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090051387 | Field programmable gate array with integrated application specific integrated circuit fabric - A field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) is provided having integrated application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) fabric. The ASIC fabric may be used to implement one or more custom or semi-custom hard blocks within the FPGA. The ASIC fabric can be made up of a “custom region” and an “interface region.” The custom region can implement the custom or semi-custom ASIC design and the interface region can integrate and connect the custom region to the rest of the FPGA circuitry. The custom region may be based on a structured ASIC design. The interface region may allow the ASIC fabric to be incorporated within the hierarchical organization of the FPGA, allowing the custom region to connect to the FPGA circuitry in a seamless manner. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090040846 | Programmable Control Block For Dual Port SRAM Application - A dual-port static random access memory (SRAM) includes a multitude of programmable delay elements disposed along the paths of a number signals used to carry out read, write or read-then-write operations. At least one of the programmable delay elements controls the timing margin between a pair of clock signals that trigger a read/write enable signal. A second programmable delay element coarsely adjusts the delay of a first signal associated with a dummy bitline. A third programmable delay element finely adjusts the delay of a second signal associated with the dummy bitline. A fourth programmable delay element controls the delay of a signal used to reset the read/write enable signal. During a read operation, the voltage level of the second signal is used as an indicator to activate the sense amplifiers. During a write operation, the voltage level of the second signal is used to control the write cycle. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090027098 | Phase shift circuit with lower intrinsic delay - A phase shift circuit that includes two, rather than four, delay chains and corresponding selectors is described. This provides a significant area savings and reduces the intrinsic delay of the phase shift circuit, which is particularly beneficial for embodiments in which there is no intrinsic delay matching. In one specific implementation, the phase shift circuit includes a first delay circuit and a matching delay circuit. The first delay circuit provides a first delay that includes a first intrinsic delay and a first intentional delay. The delay matching circuit provides a matching delay that matches the first intrinsic delay. In one specific implementation, the phase shift circuit also includes a second delay circuit to provide a second delay that includes a second intrinsic delay and second intentional delay, where the second intrinsic delay matches the first intrinsic delay and the second intentional delay is half as long as the first intentional delay. Matching the intrinsic delay of the first delay circuit allows for comparing its output against a delayed version of the input signal, rather than the input signal. As a result, Fmax, the maximum frequency of the input signal at which the phase shift circuit may operate, is not limited by the intrinsic delay or by Fmin, the minimum frequency of the input signal at which the phase shift circuit may operate. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090019269 | Methods and Apparatus for a Bit Rake Instruction - Techniques for performing a bit rake instruction in a programmable processor. The bit rake instruction extracts an arbitrary pattern of bits from a source register, based on a mask provided in another register, and packs and right justifies the bits into a target register. The bit rake instruction allows any set of bits from the source register to be packed together. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090015308 | EFFICIENT DELAY ELEMENTS - Circuits, methods, and apparatus for delaying signals in a power and area efficient manner are provided. A gating element within a stage of a programmable delay element suppresses an operation of other stages of the delay element. A programmable delay has components with differing delays that may be combined to give flexibility in choices for delay increments while minimizing the area of the delay element. A delay element is shared between different signal paths, for example, to reduce the number of delay elements or to allow utilizing unused delay elements of other signal paths. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090011716 | SIGNAL LOSS DETECTOR FOR HIGH-SPEED SERIAL INTERFACE OF A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE - A loss-of-signal detector includes digital and analog monitoring of incoming data. The incoming signal is compared digitally to at least one predetermined pattern that may indicate a loss of signal, and also is monitored by an analog detector that detects transitions in the data. If the digital comparison fails to match any of the at least one predetermined pattern, or if transitions are detected by the analog monitoring, even if the digital comparison produces a pattern match, then loss of signal is not indicated. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20080301414 | Efficient Complex Multiplication and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Implementation on the ManArray Architecture - Efficient computation of complex multiplication results and very efficient fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) are provided. A parallel array VLIW digital signal processor is employed along with specialized complex multiplication instructions and communication operations between the processing elements which are overlapped with computation to provide very high performance operation. Successive iterations of a loop of tightly packed VLIWs are used allowing the complex multiplication pipeline hardware to be efficiently used. In addition, efficient techniques for supporting combined multiply accumulate operations are described. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297193 | Techniques for Providing Calibrated On-Chip Termination Impedance - Techniques are provided for calibrating on-chip termination impedances on integrated circuits. An on-chip termination (OCT) calibration circuit generates calibration codes that selectively control the conductive states of a set of transistors coupled in parallel. The OCT calibration circuit selects a calibration code that causes the impedance of the transistors to be near a matching impedance. The selected calibration code controls an on-chip termination impedance at a pin. According to some embodiments, the OCT calibration circuit compares a signal from the transistors to two or more reference signals to improve the tolerance range of the calibrated on-chip termination impedance. According to other embodiments, the OCT calibration circuit selects a calibration code based on a signal from the transistors after an extra transistor is turned on by a control signal. The control signal is not used to control the on-chip termination impedance. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080297192 | TECHNIQUES FOR OPTIMIZING DESIGN OF A HARD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BLOCK FOR DATA TRANSMISSION - Techniques are provided for implementing channel alignment for a data transmission interface in an HIP block on a programmable logic integrated circuit. The HIP block channel alignment logic can be run using a reduced number of parallel data paths, which consumes substantially less logic resources. Also, the HIP block channel alignment logic circuits can be processed at the higher HIP core clock rate in serial, decreasing lock latency time. Techniques are provided for implementing error handling for transmitted data in programmable logic circuits. The programmable logic circuits can be configured to implement error generation and error monitoring functions that are tailored for any application. Alternatively, the logic elements can be configured to perform other functions for applications that do not require error handling. The phase skew between data and clock signals on an integrated circuit are reduced by routing clock signals along with the data signals to each circuit block. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080291758 | READ-LEVELING IMPLEMENTATIONS FOR DDR3 APPLICATIONS ON AN FPGA - Circuits, methods, and apparatus for transferring data from a device's input clock domain to a core clock domain. One example achieves this by using a retiming element between input and core circuits. The retiming element is calibrated by incrementally sweeping a delay and receiving data at each increment. Minimum and maximum delays where data is received without errors are averaged. This average can then be used to adjust the timing of a circuit element inserted in an input path between an input register clocked by an input strobe signal and an output register clocked by a core clock signal. In one example, an input signal may be delayed by an amount corresponding to the delay setting. In other examples, each input signal is registered using an intermediate register between the input register and the output register, where a clock signal is delayed by an amount corresponding to the delay setting. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080290898 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING COMPLEX LOGIC BLOCKS WITH IMPROVED LOGIC CELL FUNCTIONALITY - A CLB-based PLD with logic cells having improved logic, register, arithmetic, logic packing and timing functions and capabilities is disclosed. The CLBs of the PLD are arranged in rows and columns of an array and are interconnect by a plurality of interconnect lines. Each of the plurality of CLBs has a first slice of logic cells and a second slice of logic cells arranged in a first column and a second column. First and second carry chains are provided between each of the logic cells of each column. At least one of the logic cells includes one or more Look Up Tables for implanting logic functions on a set of inputs provided to the one logic cell and an arithmetic logic circuit configured to receive a carry-in signal and to generate a carry-out signal forming part of the first carry chain. In one embodiment, the logic cell further includes a first output register and a second output register and the set of outputs generated by the logic cell are partitioned among the first output register and the second output register. In another embodiment, an output of one of the registers is provided as an input to one of the Look Up Tables of the cell through a register feedback connection. In yet another embodiment, the set of inputs provided to a first and a second of the Look Up Tables are different, enabling a higher degree of logic efficiency or “packing” by enabling each cell to perform logic functions on two different sets of inputs as opposed to only the same set of inputs. Finally, in another embodiment, the arithmetic logic circuit is capable of generating two SUM output signals. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080290897 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING LOGIC MODULES WITH IMPROVED REGISTER CAPABILITIES - A PLD that has more flip flops per logic module by providing more registered outputs than combinational outputs; and/or a combinational output that can drive more than one register is disclosed. The PLD includes a plurality of logic array blocks arranged in an array and a plurality of inter-logic array block lines interconnecting the logic array blocks of the array. At least one of the logic array blocks includes at least one logic module that includes a first combinational element configured to generate a first combinational output signal in response to inputs provided to the one logic module, a first register capable of being driven by the first combinational output signal and a second register capable of being driven by the first combinational output signal. The logic module therefore has more registered outputs than combinational outputs and a combinational output that can drive more then one output register. In alternative embodiments, the logic module may have one or more combinational element configured to generate one or more combinational output signals in response to inputs provided to the one logic module and a plurality of registers capable of being driven by the one or more combinational outputs signals. In these alternative embodiments, the number of registers exceeds the number of combinational output signals in the one logic module. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080273574 | SPREAD SPECTRUM CLOCK SIGNAL GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for generating a clock signal having spread spectrum modulation. The method involves generating a clock signal by generating edge positions for edges of the clock signal from a digital representation of a timing for each edge to impart spread spectrum modulation to the clock signal. A programmable modulator is provided that generates digital values representing edge positions for edges of a clock signal based on at least one of a time-varying period value and a time-varying duty-cycle value. The programmable modulator may comprise a first circuit, called a period modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital period value, and a second circuit, called a duty-cycle modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital duty-cycle value. The time-varying period values and time-varying duty cycle values are processed to produce a digital edge position value that specifies an edge position for a clock signal. The programmable modulator is coupled to an arbitrary waveform synthesizer that generates timing for edges of the clock signal based on the edge position values. A variety of modulations can be imposed on the clock signal using these techniques, including triangle wave modulation, near-triangle modulation, random and pseudo-random modulation. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080258772 | CLOCK SIGNAL NETWORKS FOR STRUCTURED ASIC DEVICES - Clock distribution circuitry for a structured ASIC device includes a deterministic portion and configurable portions. The deterministic portion employs a predetermined arrangement of conductor segments and buffers for distributing a clock signal to a plurality of predetermined locations on the device. From each predetermined location, an associated configurable portion of the clock distribution circuitry distributes the clock signal to any clock utilization circuitry needing that clock signal in a predetermined area of the structured ASIC that is served from that predetermined location. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080253220 | Flexible RAM Clock Enable - A first set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a first port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a first port of a memory block. A second set of configuration logic is configurable to provide a second port input clock signal for controlling input registers of a second port of the memory block. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080246516 | Phase Frequency Detectors Generating Minimum Pulse Widths - A phase frequency detector compares a reference clock signal to a feedback clock signal to generate pulses in one or more output signals. The one or more output signals have a minimum pulse width. The phase frequency detector has a temperature sensing circuit. The phase frequency detector adjusts the minimum pulse width of the one or more output signals using the temperature sensing circuit to compensate for variations in the temperature of the phase frequency detector. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080235496 | Methods and Apparatus for Dynamic Instruction Controlled Reconfigurable Register File - A scalable reconfigurable register file (SRRF) containing multiple register files, read and write multiplexer complexes, and a control unit operating in response to instructions is described. Multiple address configurations of the register files are supported by each instruction and different configurations are operable simultaneously during a single instruction execution. For example, with separate files of the size 32×32 supported configurations of 128×32 bit s, 64x64 bit s and 32×128 bit s can be in operation each cycle. Single width, double width, quad width operands are optimally supported without increasing the register file size and without increasing the number of register file read or write ports. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080231317 | Staggered logic array block architecture - A staggered logic array block (LAB) architecture can be provided. An integrated circuit (IC) device can include a first group of LABs substantially aligned with each other, and a second group of LABs substantially aligned with each other and coupled to the first group of LABs by a plurality of horizontal and vertical conductors. The first group of LABs can be substantially offset from the second group of LABs in the IC layout. In an embodiment of the invention, the first and second groups of LABs can be columns of LABs, and the columns can be vertically offset from each other (e.g., by half the number of logic elements in each LAB). The offsetting can advantageously allow more LABs to be reached using a single routing channel, or without using any routing channel, thereby reducing communication latency and improving overall IC performance. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080225933 | PROTOCOL-AGNOSTIC AUTOMATIC RATE NEGOTIATION FOR HIGH-SPEED SERIAL INTERFACE IN A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE - Automatic rate negotiation logic for a high speed serial interface in a programmable logic device determines whether multiple occurrences of a single-bit transition (i.e., a data transition from “0” to “1” to “0” or from “1” to “0” to “1”) occur within a predetermined time interval on a data channel of a high-speed serial interface. The interval preferably is selected such that multiple occurrences of a single-bit transition mean that the data channel is operating in full-rate mode. The rate negotiation logic may share a phase detector with clock data recovery circuitry in the interface. The phase detector may be a bang-bang phase detector specially adapted to detect single-bit transitions. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080222333 | Methods and Apparatus for Scalable Array Processor Interrupt Detection and Response - Hardware and software techniques for interrupt detection and response in a scalable pipelined array processor environment are described. Utilizing these techniques, a sequential program execution model with interrupts can be maintained in a highly parallel scalable pipelined array processing containing multiple processing elements and distributed memories and register files. When an interrupt occurs, interface signals are provided to all PEs to support independent interrupt operations in each PE dependent upon the local PE instruction sequence prior to the interrupt. Processing/element exception interrupts are supported and low latency interrupt processing is also provided for embedded systems where real time signal processing is required. Further, a hierarchical interrupt structure is used allowing a generalized debug approach using debut interrupts and a dynamic debut monitor mechanism. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080218208 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING LOGIC ARRAY BLOCK INTERCONNECT LINES THAT CAN INTERCONNECT LOGIC ELEMENTS IN DIFFERENT LOGIC BLOCKS - A PLD with LAB interconnect lines that span adjacent LABs in the array and that have the ability to interconnect two logic elements in the different LABs. The PLD includes a plurality of LABs arranged in an array and a plurality of inter-LAB lines interconnecting the LABs of the array. Each of the LABs include a predetermined number of logic elements, one or more control signals distributed among the predetermined number of logic elements in the LAB, and LAB lines spanning between logic elements in different LABs in the array. In various embodiments, the LAB lines are arranged in a staggered pattern with a predetermined pitch between the lines. In other embodiments, the control signals of adjacent LABs can overlap, allowing control signals to be routed to the logic elements of adjacent LABs. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080218197 | PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING REDUNDANCY WITH LOGIC ELEMENT GRANULARITY - A PLD having logic element row granularity redundancy is disclosed. The PLD includes a plurality of LABs arranged in an array and a plurality of horizontal and vertical inter-LAB lines interconnecting the LABs of the array. Each of the LABs further includes a predetermined number of logic elements and redundancy circuitry to replace a defective logic element with a non-defective logic element among the predetermined logic elements by shifting programming data intended to for the defective logic element to the non-defective logic element. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080216034 | Performance Visualization of Delay in Circuit Design - Methods are provided for presenting delay characteristics of a circuit design. The methods acquire routing delay data and logic delay data for each of a number of paths within the circuit design. In one method, a scatterplot of the routing delay data versus the logic delay data for each of the paths is generated and rendered. In another method, the paths are specified as being associated with modules within the circuit design. In this method, a histogram plot of the paths within each module is generated, wherein the paths within each module are identified as being dominated by routing delay or logic delay. In another embodiment, a connectivity diagram is generated to convey an amount of connectivity within modules and between modules. Each of the methods can be implemented as program instructions on a computer readable medium. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080201597 | WRITE-LEVELING IMPLEMENTATION IN PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICES - Circuits, methods, and apparatus for memory interfaces that compensate for skew between a clock signal and DQ/DQS signals that may be caused by a fly-by routing topology. The skew is compensated by clocking the DQ/DQS signals with a phase delayed clock signal, where the phase delay has been calibrated. In one example calibration routine, a clock signal is provided to a receiving device. A DQ/DQS signal is also provided and the timing of their reception compared. A delay of the DQ/DQS signal is changed incrementally until the DQ/DQS signal is aligned with the clock signal at the receiving device. This delay is then used during device operation to delay a signal that clocks registers providing the DQ/DQS signals. Each DQ/DQS group can be aligned to the clock, or the DQS and DQ signals in a group may be independently aligned to the clock at the receiving device. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080197906 | Reference clock receiver compliant with LVPECL, LVDS and PCI-Express supporting both AC coupling and DC coupling - A reference clock receiver structure according to the invention is provided. The structure preferably includes an input buffer that is formed from a PMOS differentiated pair of transistors and a first supply voltage. The PMOS differential pair receives a pair of differential inputs, and produces a pair of differential outputs. The structure also includes a level shifter that is coupled to receive the pair of differential outputs from the input buffer to provide gain to the pair of differential outputs to form a gained pair of differential outputs. The level shifter that includes a second supply voltage. The second supply voltage may have a smaller magnitude than the first supply voltage. Finally, the structure includes a CMOS buffer that is coupled to receive the gained pair of differential outputs. The CMOS buffer boosts the gained pair of differential outputs and converts the gained differential pair outputs into a single signal. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080197879 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC DEVICE HAVING IMPROVED LOOK UP TABLES - A programmable logic device including a plurality of logic elements organized in an array. Each of the logic elements includes an N-stage Look Up Table structure having 2 | 08-21-2008 |
