Intra-tile buffer system for a field programmable gate array

Abstract

The invention relates to an intra-tile buffering system for a field programmable gate array. The field programmable gate array comprises a field programmable gate array tile comprising a number of rows and a number of columns. Each row has a left end and a right end, and each column has a top end and a bottom end. Each row comprises a plurality of functional groups with an interface group located at said right end and said left end. Each column comprises a plurality of functional groups with an interface group located at said top end and said bottom end. A primary routing structure is coupled to said functional groups and interface groups and configured to receive primary output signals, route primary output signals within said at least one field programmable gate array tile, and provide primary input signals to said functional groups and interface groups. Each functional group is configured to receive a primary input signal, perform a logic operation, and generate a primary output signal. Each interface group is configured to transfer signals from said primary routing structure to outside of said at least one field programmable gate array tile, and includes a plurality of input multiplexers configured to select signals received from outside of said at least one field programmable gate array tile and provide signals to the primary routing structure inside said at least one field programmable gate array tile. Said primary routing structure comprises a horizontal bus coupled to each row of functional groups, a vertical bus coupled to each column of functional groups, a horizontal buffer coupled to each horizontal bus and spaced every Nth column of functional groups, where N is an integer, and a vertical buffer coupled to each horizontal bus and spaced every Mth row of functional groups, where M is an integer.