Patent ID: 7424655
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method of programming an integrated circuit (IC) to implement a design, the method comprising an automated configuration procedure comprising: storing two or more test configuration bitstreams, wherein each test configuration bitstream is for programming programmable logic and programmable interconnect of the IC; storing two or more user configuration bitstreams, wherein each of the two or more user configuration bitstreams is different from each other of the two or more user configuration bitstreams, and the two or more user configuration bitstreams implement an equivalent function for the design; associating each of the two or more test configuration bitstreams with one or more of the user configuration bitstreams; programming an initial one of the test configuration bitstreams into the IC and applying an automated testing procedure to the programmed IC; wherein the programming with the initial test configuration bitstream is after the storing the two or more user configuration bitstreams; programming, when the programmed IC fails to pass the automated testing procedure, a subsequent one of the test configuration bitstreams into the IC and applying the automated testing procedure to the programmed IC; and when the programmed IC passes the automated testing procedure, programming into the IC one of the two or more user configuration bitstreams associated with a last programmed test configuration bitstream, terminating the automated configuration procedure, and allowing the programmed IC to assume a predetermined function as determined by the one user configuration bitstream.