System and method of dynamically reconfiguring a programmable integrated circuit
First Claim
1. A circuit comprising:
- a bus for communicating data;
a microprocessor for processing data, said microprocessor coupled to said bus;
a programmable functional component coupled to said bus, wherein said programmable functional component includes a plurality of functional blocks programmable to provide a plurality of functions and configurations;
a memory for storing data including information associated with said functions and configurations, wherein said information includes a plurality of configuration images that define the configuration and functionality of said circuit including user module personalization data for defining the functionality and configuration of a component included in said circuit, said memory coupled to said bus; and
a programmably configurable external communication port for communicatively coupling with external devices relative to said circuit.
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Abstract
The present invention system and method enables dynamic reconfiguration of an electronic device in a convenient and efficient manner. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a microprocessor, a plurality of internal peripherals, an interconnecting component, an external coupling port, and a memory for storing instructions. The plurality of internal peripherals, the interconnecting component and the external coupling port are programmably configurable to perform a variety of functions. The memory stores a plurality of configuration images that define the configuration and functionality of the plurality of internal peripherals, the interconnecting component and the external coupling port. The instructions stored by the memory facilitate dynamic reconfiguration of the electronic device. Based upon the existence of a predetermined condition, the electronic device is automatically reconfigured by activating different configuration images.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A circuit comprising:
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a bus for communicating data; a microprocessor for processing data, said microprocessor coupled to said bus; a programmable functional component coupled to said bus, wherein said programmable functional component includes a plurality of functional blocks programmable to provide a plurality of functions and configurations; a memory for storing data including information associated with said functions and configurations, wherein said information includes a plurality of configuration images that define the configuration and functionality of said circuit including user module personalization data for defining the functionality and configuration of a component included in said circuit, said memory coupled to said bus; and a programmably configurable external communication port for communicatively coupling with external devices relative to said circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electronic device dynamic configuration method comprising:
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loading a plurality of configuration images a memory of said electronic device including user module personalization data for defining the functionality and configuration of a component included in said electronic device; configuring said electronic device in accordance with a first configuration image; performing functions in accordance with said first configuration image; automatically reconfiguring said electronic device in accordance with a second configuration image; and executing functions in accordance with said second configuration image, wherein said reconfiguring of said electronic device in accordance with a second configuration image is performed in response to a predetermined condition or event. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of programming an electronic device comprising:
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a) selecting a set of user modules for a first circuit design system from a plurality of user modules; b) allocating hardware resources of said electronic device to said set of user modules; c) parameterizing said set of user modules; d) connecting said set of user modules together and to external pins of said electronic device; e) generating a first configuration image based on a user source program and based on information from said a)–
d), said configuration image to be loaded into said electronic device and making said first configuration image active in said electronic device to realize said first circuit design system in said electronic device;f) repeating a)–
e) for a second circuit design system to produce a second configuration image; and
in response to a condition, making said second image active in said electronic device active to dynamically realize said second circuit design system in said electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification