Logic block for programmable logic devices

Abstract: A standard logic block, or macrocell, is provided for use on programmable logic devices. The macrocell uses RAM to perform logic functions, and further includes circuitry which allows writing of data to the RAM during use. Each logic block can be configured at programming time to be either a user RAM, allowing the user to write data to such memory during use, or configured as performing logic functions. The contents of macrocells configured as providing logic functions cannot be changed except by reprogramming the device.

Description: The present invention relates generally to integrated circuit devices, and more specifically to programmable logic devices, to logic blocks for such devices, and to methods for configuring such devices. Embodiments of the invention are configurable by a user. Programmable logic devices are becoming increasingly popular in the electronics industry because of their flexibility. These devices allow a user to configure a standard part to perform a wide variety of standard logic functions. Since a single standard device can be configured many different functions, the total cost of using such a device in a system can be significantly less than the cost of custom designed parts; especially in cases where product volume is not extremely large. Many programmable logic devices can be programmed only once. This may be done as a final metallization mask step at a silicon foundry. Another design is to provide a device which is programmable by the use of fusible links, with the programming being performed by the user using specialized programming equipment. Other programmable logic device designs allow the devices to be reprograrnmed by the user. These designs typically incorporate non-volatile memory such as EPROMs or EEPROMS to retain the programming, or configuration, information. If it is desired to reprogram the device, the configuration information stored in non-volatile memory on the device can be changed, which changes the functions performed by that device. Reprogrammable logic devices can also be constructed using RAM, usually SRAM, to retain configuration information. Although such devices retain their configuration only so long as power is applied to the device, they are easily reprogrammed by the user. The use of RAM to perform logic functions has long been known. One approach to using RAM in a programmable logic device is to provide an array of identical logic blocks, also referred to as macrocells, which are interconnected by matrices of programmable switching elements. Referring to Figure 1 , such a programmable logic device is referred to generally as 10 . The device 10 contains an array of macrocells 12-15 . Only 4 such macrocells are shown in Figure 1 , but a typical actual device would contain a much larger array. The macrocells 12-15 are interconnected through programmable switching matrices 16-22 . The programmable switching matrices 16-22 each contain a plurality of programmable switches for connecting pairs of signal lines passing therethrough. Their function is similar to the well known cross bar switch. By properly programming the switching matrices, signals can be routed between non-physically adjacent portions of the device 10 . For example, an output signal from macrocell 14 can be used as an input to macrocell 13 by routing such signal through programmable switching matrices 21, 22, 20, and 17 in that order. Inputs are supplied to the device through input buffers 24 connected to input pins 26 . The signals from input buffers 24 , preferably available in true and complemented versions, are connected to switching matrix 16 . From this point, they can be routed to different parts of the device 10 as needed. Output buffers 28 are driven by signals routed through switching matrix 21 , and drive output pins 30 . In many devices, the input/output pins are programmable as to their function. Thus, any given input/output pin can be programmed to be an input buffer 24 or an output buffer 28 . Such technique is preferably used with the present invention, with input buffers 24 being those input/output buffers which have been programmed to be inputs, and output buffers 28 being those which have been programmed to be outputs. The number of signal lines which connect various portions of the device 10 can be varied as desired. As shown in Figure 1, each macrocell 12-15 has n inputs and m outputs. All macrocells are preferably identical for ease of design and layout. All programmable switching matrices 16-22 are also preferably identical, with the possible exception of matrices 16 and 21 used to communicate with the input buffers 24 and output buffers 28 respectively. k signal lines are routed between each programmable switching matrix. A typical, actual device 10 design might include, for example, a ten by ten array of macrocells, with programmable switching matrices between macrocells as indicated in Figure 1. Each macrocell could have n = 24 inputs and m = 4 outputs, with k = 32 signal lines between each programmable switching matrix. In a device such as described in connection with Figure 1, it would be desirable to have user RAM on the device. Unlike the RAM used to store configuration information, and thus defining logic functions, the user RAM would be available for use as a memory by the user. An advantage of one of the embodiments of the present invention is the provision of a programmable logic device having RAM available to the user in addition to logic functions. Another advantage lies in the ability to provide such a device wherein logic blocks used for the user RAM and programmed logic have the same design and layout. Yet another advantage lies in the ability to provide such a device wherein the user can selectively configure each logic block to function as user-writable RAM or programmed logic. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a programmable logic device having a circuit block, which circuit block comprises a decoder, a random access memory having a plurality of bits addressed by said decoder, at least one write driver and at least one sense amplifier connected to said random access memory, and means for configuring the circuit block to function as user-writable memory or to provide a logic function. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a programmable logic device, comprising a plurality of input and output buffers, a plurality of programmable switching matrices, and a plurality of logic blocks interconnected with said programmable switching matrices, characterized in that each logic block is configurable to function as user-writable random access memory or to provide a logic function. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for defining the function of a programmable logic device, comprising the steps of providing a device having an array of logic blocks interconnected by programmable switching matrices, characterized by configuring each logic block independently to function as user-writable random access memory or to perform a logic function. In a preferred embodiment there is provided a back-up battery and means for detecting a loss of power to the device, wherein said backup battery is connected so as to provide power to said logic blocks and to said programmable switching matrices, but not to said input and output buffers, whenever a loss of power is detected. Therefore, there is disclosed a standard logic block, or macrocell, for use on programmable logic devices. The macrocell uses RAM to perform logic functions, and further includes circuitry which allows writing of data to the RAM during use. Each logic block can be configured at programming time to be either a user RAM, allowing the user to write data to such memory during use, or configured as performing logic functions. The contents of macrocells configured as providing logic functions cannot be changed except by reprogramming the device. The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a programmable logic device as found in the prior art; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a macrocell according to the present invention; and Figure 3 is a block diagram of a preferred macrocell according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 2 , a decoder 40 has n inputs 42 . 2 n row signal lines 44 are output from the decoder 40 and connected to an SRAM 46 . SRAM 46 is preferably a single column SRAM, having 2 n positions individually addressed by the row lines 44 of the decoder 40 . The value of the selected SRAM 46 entry is connected to a column signal line 48 which provides an input signal to sense amplifier 50 . The output of sense amp 50 provides output signal DATA OUT. A write driver 52 is also connected to the column line 48 . Write driver 52 consists of P-channel transistors 54 and 56 , and N-channel transistors 58 and 60 . Transistors 56 and 58 are connected to the column signal line 48 , and are driven by a signal DATA IN. DATA IN contains a value to be written into an SRAM 46 location. Signals WE (WRITE ENABLE) and WE-bar are used to write data into the SRAM 46. When WE is high WE-bar is low, which turns on transistors 54 and 60 . In this event, column line 48 is driven to a value determined by DATA IN. If DATA IN is high, column line 48 is driven to ground, and if DATA IN is low, column line 48 is driven to V cc . The value placed on column line 48 is stored into whichever SRAM 46 position is currently addressed by the signals used to drive decoder 40 . Figure 3 shows the construction of a preferred macrocell 68 utilizing the circuitry described in connection with Figure 2 . Macrocell 68 contains four decoders 70 and four associated SRAMs 72 . Decoders 70 each have four input signal lines and are each capable of addressing 16 bit positions. The corresponding SRAMs 72 therefore each have 16 bit storage positions. Separate control lines are provided to address each decoder, so that a total of 16 decoder control lines 74 are provided to the macrocell 68 . Each SRAM drives a column signal line 76 which is connected to a circuit block 78 containing a sense amplifier and write driver as described in connection with Figure 2 . Sense amplifier output lines 80 are connected to combinational and sequential logic blocks 82 , which in turn drive macrocell output lines 84 . Logic blocks 82 preferably contain flip-flops and combinational logic to provide various output functions of the values on output lines 80 . Four input data lines 86 are provided to the macrocell 68 , with one line being connected to the write driver in each circuit block 78 . Control signal lines 88 are provided to the macrocell 68 , and serve a dual purpose depending on how the macrocell 68 is configured. Switch 90 is used to route the signal lines 88 to write enable lines 92 or combinational and sequential logic control signal lines 94 . Figure 3 illustrates a view of the macrocell 68 seen by a user. Not shown are the configuration bits and their associated control lines used to actually configure the macrocell 68 . For example, configuration bits are contained within the combinational and sequential logic blocks 82 which drive multiplexers to select which of the available logic functions are to be performed. These configuration bits are set at configuration time, and cannot be changed during normal use. Switch 90 is defined at configuration time in a similar manner. If macrocell 68 is to be used for providing logic functions, control signals on lines 88 are switched to combinational and sequential logic control signal lines 94 . If the macrocell 68 is configured to function as user-writable SRAM, four of the signals 88 are switched to write enable signal lines 92 . When macrocell 68 is functioning as user-writable SRAM, combinational and sequential logic blocks 82 are configured to simply provide a direct connection between sense amp output lines 80 and macrocell output lines 84 . Configuration of the various elements within the macrocell 68 is controlled by the settings of configuration bits within the macrocell 68 . As known in the art, these configuration bits are written to using a separate set of address and control lines from those seen by the user during normal operation, and this separate set of signal lines is not shown in Figure 3 . When macrocell 68 is configured to function as a logic block, DATA IN signal lines 86 are ignored and the write drivers in blocks 78 are disabled. Control signal lines 88 are switched to connect to signal lines 94 , and used to control the state of combinational and sequential logic blocks 82 . The signals on lines 92 are used to, for example, clock flip-flops, set or reset flip-flops provide output enable signals for signal lines 84 , and to perform similar functions. In this configuration, macrocell 68 operates much as do those used in the prior art. When macrocell 68 is configured to function as user-writable RAM, switch 90 is configurated to route four selected control signals 88 to write enable signal lines 92 . Four additional control signals 88 can be used to provide the output enable signals on lines 94 . The combinational and sequential logic blocks 82 are configured to provide a direct connection between signal lines 80 and signal lines 84 . The write drivers within logic blocks 78 are enabled, and data input signal lines 86 provide data thereto. When macrocell 68 is used as user-writable RAM, decoder control signal lines 74 are interpreted as address lines. If desired, each of the decoders 70 can be provided with identical address inputs, which configures the macrocell 68 as a 16x4 RAM. By proper selection of the control signals 74 , macrocell 68 can also be configured as a 32x2 RAM or a 64x1 RAM. To configure the macrocell 68 as a 64x1 RAM, the four signal lines 84 are tied to a common point in a programmable switching matrix outside the macrocell 68 , with only one at a time being enabled by the output enable signals available on signal lines 94 . Since the shape of the RAM is determined by the decoder control lines 74 , the shape of the RAM is actually configured in the programmable switching matrix which provides the input signal lines to the macrocell 68 . Different macrocells 68 can be configured together so as to provide user-writable RAM of any desired depth and width. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of macrocells 68 which can be configured to provide logic functions or to function as user-writable RAM allows increased flexibility in configuring a programmable logic device. If only dedicated RAM is provided as user-writable RAM, it is certain that in many cases the proportions of available user-writable RAM and RAM providing logic functions will not be correct. With a macrocell 68 which can be configured to provide either function, a user can configure the programmable logic device in the most efficient manner to allow full use of all elements on the chip. This allows one or a small number of standard parts to be used for a wide variety of applications. As described in related co-pending European Patent Application No 90307158.7, a battery backup system can be used to preserve the contents of all SRAM when power is lost to the programmable logic device. Configuration data is retained during a power loss, so that the device need not be reconfigured each time it is powered up. In addition, since the same macrocells 68 are used for user-writable memory and for logic functions, the user-writable memory is also saved by the backup supply. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the invention. The present invention contains subject matter in common with copending European Patent Application No 90307158.7 filed on even date herewith.

Claims: A programmable logic device having a circuit block, which circuit block comprises a decoder (40;70); a random access memory (46;72) having a plurality of bits addressed by said decoder (40); at least one write driver (52;78) and at least one sense amplifier (50;78) connected to said random access memory; and means (82) for configuring the circuit block to function as user-writable memory or to provide a logic function. A programmable logic device according to claim 1 wherein the or each write driver (52;78) is disabled when the circuit block is configured to provide a logic function. A programmable logic device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said random access memory (46;72) provides a plurality of outputs, each corresponding to a column of memory, and wherein said at least one sense amplifier (52;78) comprises a separate sense amplifier (52;78) for each memory column. A programmable logic device according to claim 3, wherein each column of random access memory (72) has a separate decoder (70) for addressing the bits of the column. A programmable logic device according to claim 4, wherein each column of random access memory (72) further has an independently addressable write driver (78) connected thereto. A programmable logic device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: combinational and sequential logic (82) coupled between said sense amplifier (78) and outputs (84) of the circuit block. A programmable logic device according to claim 6, wherein said combinational and sequential logic (82) includes flip-flops. A programmable logic device according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising: control signal inputs (88) to the circuit block, wherein said control signal inputs perform control and switching functions in said combinational and sequential logic (82) when the circuit block is configured to provide a logic function, and wherein said control signal inputs (88) provide write enable signals to said write drivers (78) when the circuit block is configured to function as user-writable memory. A programmable logic device, comprising: a plurality of input and output buffers (24); a plurality of programmable switching matrices (16-21); and a plurality of logic blocks (12-15) interconnected with said programmable switching matrices, characterized in that each logic block is configurable to function as user-writable random access memory or to provide a logic function. The device of claim 9, wherein each of said logic blocks comprises: at least one decoder (40;70); a random access memory (46;72) organized as a plurality of memory columns and addressed by said decoder; a respective amplifier (50;78) connected to each column of said random access memory; a respective write driver (52;78) connected to each memory column; and means (82) for configuring the logic block to function as user-writable memory or to provide a logic function. The device of claim 10, wherein the write drivers (52;78) within a logic block are disabled when that block is configured to provide a logic function. The device of claim 10, wherein each memory column (72) within a logic block is addressed by a separate decoder (70). The device of claim 12, wherein each logic block contains 4 decoders (70) and 4 memory columns (72). The device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein each logic block further comprises combinational and sequential circuitry (82) between said sense amplifiers (78) and outputs of the logic block (84). The device of claim 10, wherein said logic blocks and said programmable switching matrices are interconnected to form a rectangular array, with all inputs of each logic block connected to a programmable switching matrix. The device of any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising: a backup battery; and means for detecting a loss of power to the device, wherein said backup battery is connected so as to provide power to said logic blocks and to said programmable switching matrices, but not to said input and output buffers, whenever a loss of power is detected. A method for defining the function of a programmable logic device, comprising the steps of: providing a device having an array of logic blocks interconnected by programmable switching matrices; characterized by: configuring each logic block independently to function as user-writable random access memory or to perform a logic function.

Inventors: STEELE RANDY CHARLES, STEELE, RANDY CHARLES
Applicants: SGS THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS, SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS, INC. (A DELAWARE CORP.)
Application year: 1990
Main classification: H03K19
IPC codes: G06F9, H03K19