Semi-conductor integrated circuits/systems

Abstract

Configurable semiconductor integrated circuits as-made each have a plurality of logic circuits formed at discrete sites. For each logic circuit, direct selectably conducting/non-conducting connection paths extend from its output to input of a first set of other logic circuits and to its inputs from outputs of a second set of other logic circuits. All of the sets for all of the logic circuits are each different. Other direct connection paths are selectably connectable to inputs and outputs of the logic circuits. Selection can be irreversible or reversible and involves coincident signal addressing of the sites and coded configuring of the paths at that site. Reversible selection can be via field effect transistors or bipolar transistors and can be at or near normal logic signal levels and speeds. Versatile configurable input/output arrangements are described also reconfigurable data processing systems using the reversible transistor provisions.