Programmable logic device

Abstract

An improved programmable logic device includes a set of I/O cells, a set of logic blocks, and a routing pool that provides connections among the logic blocks and the I/O cells. At least one of the logic blocks includes a programmable logic array that generates product term output signals on product term output lines. A first product term summing circuit has input terminals, at least one of which is coupled to a product term output line. The first product term summing circuit generates an output signal at an output terminal in response to at least one product term output signal. Likewise, a second product term summing circuit has input terminals, at least one of which is coupled to a product term output line. The second product term summing circuit generates an output signal at an output terminal in response to at least one product term output signal. The logic block further includes first and second output lines and a first programmable switching device that programmably couples the first output line to the output terminal of either the first or the second product term summing circuit. The logic block further includes a second programmable switching device that programmably couples the second output line to the output terminal of either the first or the second product term summing circuit. The programmable logic device has increased functional capacity. In addition, generating an interconnect solution to program the programmable logic device is made simpler by the present invention.