Texas Instruments Corporation

William S Webster

David D Wilmoth

Daniel D Edmondson

An FPGA having a plurality of logic modules with configurable output drivers (8) to enable outputs (y) of several logic modules to be wired together. The output driver (8) comprises a n-channel and a p-channel driver transistor (16, 20) which are connected to a signal (I/O) when no wired outputs (y) are desired. If two or more outputs (y) are to be connected to enable a wired logic function, p-channel transistor (16) is disabled. Then, a weak pull-up transistor (18) may be provided. Alternatively, a senseamp may be provided to the connected outputs (y).

Wired logic functions on FPGA's

A field programmable gate array (10) having a plurality of logic modules (31-35) has a pair of driver circuits (51-52) connected between each logic module (31) and logic module interconnection tracks or lines (12-16, 20-23) (51-52). Each of the drivers (51-52) has an input connected to receive a common output signal from the associated logic module (31). The output from each of the driver circuits (51-52) is selectively connectable to one of the interconnection tracks by a different respective antifuse (27). The output of each driver circuit (51-52) has a current magnitude less than a level that would damage the antifuse (27) but greater than a predetermined level, so that the track capacitances can be charged as rapidly as possible to increase the propagation time of a signal in the array. In one embodiment (10), the respective logic module interconnection lines or tracks 12 to which the pair of antifuses are connected are different logic module interconnection lines (12, 13). In another embodiment (150), the respective logic module interconnection lines to which the pair of antifuses (185, 186) are connected are the same logic module interconnection line or track (186).

Field programmable gate array device with antifuse overcurrent protection

A sense amplifier (38) uses a current source (40) to pull-up a product line (14) during as low-to-high transition. After a desired voltage is reached on the product line (14), the current source is turned off by a delay feedback circuit (44). A hold-up circuit (42) holds the product line at the desired voltage until a high-to-low transition occurs.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

William S Webster