The Hybrid Field-Programmable Architecture
Abstract
This paper proposes a new field-programmable architecture that is a
combination of two existing technologies: Field- Programmable Gate
Arrays (FPGAs) based on LookUp Tables (LUTs), and Complex Programmable
Logic Devices based on PLA-like blocks. The methodology used for
development of the new architecture, called Hybrid FPGA, is based on
analysis of a large set of benchmark circuits, in which we determine
what types of logic resources best match the needs of the circuits.
The proposed Hybrid FPGA is evaluated by technology mapping a set of
circuits into the new architecture and estimating the total chip area
needed and the depth for each circuit, compared to the area and depth
that would be required if only LUTs were available. Our results
indicate that on average LUT-based FPGAs need 70% more area than the
Hybrid, while providing roughly the same depth for the circuits. Also,
we show that it is possible to optimize the circuits for depth, such
that the critical path of the circuits implemented in the new
architecture is significantly shorter than the critical path when they
are mapped to LUT-based FPGAs.
Reference
Alireza Kaviani and Stephen D. Brown, "The Hybrid Field-Programmable Architecture," IEEE Design and Test of Computers, April-June 1999, pp. 74-83.
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