Patent ID: 6209118
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for modifying the original logic design of an application specific integrated circuit having integrated circuit connection circuitry and at least one semiconductor layer and at least one metal layer, comprising:determining what general purpose logic blocks will be used for programmable circuits included in the application specific integrated circuit but not connected to the integrated circuit connection circuitry;determining a location for the programmable circuits;preparing at least one completed application specific integrated circuit with all layers and a plurality of programmable circuits and at least one application specific integrated circuit without the at least one metal layer;testing the at least one completed application specific integrated circuit and identifying required design modifications;determining what additional logic is needed to make the required design modifications and which of the plurality of programmable circuits combined with what configuration signals are required to implement this logic;preparing a new metal mask to connect selectively the required programmable circuits to the integrated circuit connection circuitry; andproviding a source for the configuration signals required for the selectively connected programmable circuits to cause them to implement the desired logic.