Field programmable gate arrays using both volatile and nonvolatile memory cell properties and their control

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention relate to the general area of Field Programmable Gate Arrays and, in particular, to Field Programmable Gate Arrays ('FPGAs') comprising memory cells with both volatile and nonvolatile properties, and the control and management of each portion to overcome the disadvantages of each individual technology. Some of the advantages of combining the two properties in a single FPGA are power reduction, shorter power-on time, configuration flexibility, instant-on logic capability, cost savings in system components including nonvolatile instant-on devices, configuration memories, and standard CMOS process. Furthermore, to optimize these and other advantages of the proposed architecture, additional apparatus and methods are presented to individually and collectively manage and control different parts of such hybrid FPGAs.