초록 ▼

A programmable logic core (PLC) can be integrated into custom ICs such as ASICs and SOCs using a unique design methodology. For example, the methodology can incorporate the PLC into the entire ASIC design process from chip level RTL to final tape-out and resolve issues ranging from RTL guidelines th

A programmable logic core (PLC) can be integrated into custom ICs such as ASICs and SOCs using a unique design methodology. For example, the methodology can incorporate the PLC into the entire ASIC design process from chip level RTL to final tape-out and resolve issues ranging from RTL guidelines through to sub-micron signal integrity. The post-manufacture programming flow is considered up-front during the ASIC flow and tools ensure successful programming in the field environment for the lifetime of the product. An example PLC architecture for integration into a custom IC includes a Multi Scale Array (MSA) that consists of an array of configurable ALUs and is implemented as a hard macro, an Application Circuit Interface (ACI) that provides signal interface between the MSA and application circuitry and is included in the same hard macro, and a PLC Adapter that initiates and loads the PLC configuration data and interfaces that is implemented as a soft-macro.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An integrated circuit, comprising:a programmable logic core that supports: an idle state that is entered after an assertion of a signal that power is good; a built in self test state for testing the programmable logic core, the built in self test state is entered from the idle state upon receipt

1. An integrated circuit, comprising:a programmable logic core that supports: an idle state that is entered after an assertion of a signal that power is good; a built in self test state for testing the programmable logic core, the built in self test state is entered from the idle state upon receipt of a test command; a configuration state for implementing a configuration process, the configuration state supports entry from the idle state and from the built in self test state after receipt of a configuration clock signal; and an operate state that controls operations of arithmetic logic units, and is entered after completion of the configuration process; and application specific circuitry, the application specific circuitry being designed in accordance with a sign-off design. 2. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first programmable logic core comprises:a programmable multi-scale array comprising a plurality of configurable arithmetic logic units; and a programmable logic core adapter that configures the programmable multi-scale array. 3. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the programmable logic core adapter is configured to receive configuration data and load the configuration data into configuration memory of the programmable logic core adapter.4. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first programmable logic core comprises an application circuit interface that interfaces between the programmable multi-scale array and the application specific circuitry.5. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the programmable multi-scale array performs register transfer level functions.6. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of other programmable logic cores.7. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first programmable logic core includes a programmable logic core control for controlling the programmable logic core.8. The integrated circuit according to claim 7, wherein the programmable logic core control provides a control mechanism for testing the first programmable logic core.9. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, further comprising scratchpad memory.10. An integrated circuit, comprising:(I) application specific circuitry, the application specific circuitry being designed in accordance with a sign-off design; and (II) a first programmable logic core including at least (A) a programmable multi-scale array having an array of configurable arithmetic logic units supporting register transfer level functions, random logic structures, and state machine structures, (B) an application circuit interface for providing a signal interface between the programmable multi-scale array and the application specific circuitry, the application circuit interface having test registers for testing the programmable logic core, (C) scratchpad memories for supplementing storage of the programmable multi-scale array, (D) a configuration test interface for data and control flow between the application specific circuit and the programmable multi-scale array, (E) a programmable logic control for loading configuration data into the multi-scale array, and (F) a programmable logic core adapter that configures the programmable multi-scale array through the configuration test interface. 11. The integrated circuit according to claim 10, further comprising a configuration data source that stores the configuration data.12. The integrated circuit according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of other programmable logic cores.13. The integrated circuit according to claim 10, wherein the programmable logic core control provides a control mechanism for testing the first programmable logic core.