The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 22, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 10, 2001
Charles Edward Kuhlmann, Raleigh, NC (US);
Charles Steven Lingafelt, Durham, NC (US);
Francis Edward Noel, Jr., Durham, NC (US);
Ann Marie Rincon, Burlington, VT (US);
Norman Clark Strole, Raleigh, NC (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A network processor is disclosed. The network processor comprises a plurality of standard cells; and at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA) cell that can communicate with at least one of the standard cells. The at least one FPGA cell can provide a specified function based upon field programming techniques to allow for customization of the network processor. Utilizing a method and system in accordance with the present invention, a network processor can be customized to implement a variety of functions in hardware using embedded FPGA macros. The combined technology of ASIC standard cells plus FPGA cells enables fast time-to-market for new designs while optimizing cost and performance. In addition, the combined ASIC plus FPGA on a single die allows the chip developer to use proven standard cell macros for common logic and programmable cells for high-risk logic. Through a system and method in accordance with the present invention a business process is also provided whereby an ASIC customer can either submit a custom logic file to a vendor or choose from a library of functions to program into the FPGA portion of the chip.