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Method and apparatus for executing standard functions in a computer system using a field programmable gate array

  • US 6,704,816 B1
  • Filed: 07/25/2000
  • Issued: 03/09/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/26/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer system comprising:

  • (a) a mass storage medium including a library of functions at least some of which are stored in pre-compiled firmware forms each comprising configuration data;

    (b) a field programmable gate array (FPGA) including a set of bus line connections, and a set of configuration line connections operatively associated with the mass storage medium to allow configuration of the FPGA with the pre-compiled firmware forms of the functions from the mass storage medium; and

    (c) a processor unit comprising a processor operatively associated with the FPGA through the set of bus line connections thereof and operable to execute a call to a given one of said functions, wherein the processor unit is operable to determine whether a pre-compiled firmware form of the given function is available;

    wherein the processing unit is further operable to use the FPGA configured with the pre-compiled firmware form of the given function in response to determining that the pre-compiled firmware form of the given function is available;

    wherein the processing unit is further operable to use a software form of the given function in response to determining that the pre-compiled firmware form of the given function is not available.

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