Utilizing multiple bitstreams to avoid localized defects in partially defective programmable integrated circuits
First Claim
1. A method of programming an integrated circuit (IC) to implement a design, comprising:
- storing an initial configuration bitstream and a subsequent configuration bitstream, wherein the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams are stored for programming programmable logic and programmable interconnect of the IC, and the initial and a subsequent configuration bitstreams are different and implement an equivalent function for the design;
programming the initial configuration bitstream into the IC and applying an automated testing procedure to the IC that is programmed with the initial configuration bitstream;
wherein the programming with the initial configuration bitstream is after the storing of both the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams;
programming, when the IC fails to pass the automated testing procedure, the subsequent configuration bitstream into the IC and applying the automated testing procedure to the IC that is programmed with the subsequent configuration bitstream; and
when the IC passes the automated testing procedure, terminating the programming and allowing the IC to assume the equivalent function as determined by the subsequent configuration bitstream.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and structures utilizing multiple configuration bitstreams to program integrated circuits (ICs) such as programmable logic devices (PLDs), thereby enabling the utilization of partially defective ICs. A user design is implemented two or more times, preferably utilizing different programmable resources as much as possible in each configuration bitstream. The resulting configuration bitstreams are stored in a memory device such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM). Under the control of a configuration control circuit or device, the various bitstreams are sequentially loaded into a partially defective IC and tested using an automated testing procedure. When a bitstream is found that enables the design to function correctly in the programmed IC, i.e., that avoids the defective programmable resources in the IC, the automated testing procedure terminates, and the programmed IC begins to function according to the user design as determined by the last programmed bitstream.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of programming an integrated circuit (IC) to implement a design, comprising:
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storing an initial configuration bitstream and a subsequent configuration bitstream, wherein the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams are stored for programming programmable logic and programmable interconnect of the IC, and the initial and a subsequent configuration bitstreams are different and implement an equivalent function for the design; programming the initial configuration bitstream into the IC and applying an automated testing procedure to the IC that is programmed with the initial configuration bitstream; wherein the programming with the initial configuration bitstream is after the storing of both the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams; programming, when the IC fails to pass the automated testing procedure, the subsequent configuration bitstream into the IC and applying the automated testing procedure to the IC that is programmed with the subsequent configuration bitstream; and when the IC passes the automated testing procedure, terminating the programming and allowing the IC to assume the equivalent function as determined by the subsequent configuration bitstream. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A system, comprising:
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means for storing an initial configuration bitstream and a subsequent configuration bitstream, wherein the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams are stored for programming programmable logic and programmable interconnect of the IC, and the initial and a subsequent configuration bitstreams are different and implement an equivalent function for the design; means for programming the initial configuration bitstream into an integrated circuit (IC) and programming, when the IC fails to pass an automated testing procedure, the subsequent configuration bitstream into the IC; wherein the means for programming programs with the initial configuration bitstream after the storing of both the initial and subsequent configuration bitstreams; means for applying the automated testing procedure to the IC; and means for, when the IC passes the automated testing procedure, allowing the IC to assume the same predetermined function as determined by the subsequent configuration bitstream. - View Dependent Claims (24)
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Specification