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US5635855A
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Method for simultaneous programming of in-system programmable integrated circuits
Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corp
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Filing: 1995-07-21
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Granted: 1997-06-03
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Expires: 2015-07-21
Abstract
Abstract Multiple in-system programmable devices are connected in series to a programming controller for simultaneous programming. One embodiment puts all such in-system programmable devices in programming mode, and to receive programming data and programming instruction simultaneously. In that configuration, all devices begins programming and stops programming simultaneously.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard Y. M. Tang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F30/00; G06F30/30; G06F30/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for programming multiple field programmable devices, comprising the steps of: connecting said field programmable devices serially in a chain configuration; constructing a data stream file which represents a composite data stream for programming said field programmable devices; retrieving, from a plurality of program data files, an individual programming data stream for each of said field programmable devices; filling said data stream file with said individual programming data streams to form said composite data stream; retrieving from said data stream file said composite data stream; serially shifting said composite data stream into said field programmable devices; and programming said field programmable devices using said composite data stream.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for programming multiple field programmable devices, comprising the steps of: connecting said field programmable devices serially in a chain configuration; constructing a data stream file which represents a composite data stream for programming said field programmable devices; retrieving, from a plurality of program data files, an individual programming data stream for each of said field programmable devices; filling said data stream file with said individual programming data streams to form said composite data stream; retrieving from said data stream file said composite data stream; serially shifting said composite data stream into said field programmable devices; and programming said field programmable devices using said composite data stream.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said composite data stream shifts instructions sequentially into said field programmable devices, shifts programming data into said field programmable devices sequentially, causes said instructions to be executed simultaneously, and causes data to be shifted out of said field programmable devices sequentially.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
83 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said individual programming data stream comprising programming instructions and programming data, and wherein said step of retrieving an individual programming data stream comprises the steps of: organizing said retrieved programming data as rows, each row corresponding to data associated with an address unit of the field programmable corresponding to said individual data stream; and rearranging said programming data such that rows having a predetermined data pattern are placed behind rows not having said predetermined data pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 3, wherein said predetermined data pattern corresponds to a default data pattern of said field programmable device when unprogrammed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein one of said field programmable devices comprises a serial input pin, a serial output pin, a clock pin, and a mode pin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein one of said field programmable devices is a programmable device which comprises a programming enable pin, a serial input pin, a serial output pin, a clock pin, and a mode pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said field programmable devices comprises first and second field programmable devices, said first and second field programmable devices having, respectively, first and second gate arrays of unequal sizes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said field programmable devices comprises first and second field programmable devices, said first and second field programmable devices having, respectively, first and second gate arrays of equal sizes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said field programmable devices comprises first and second field programmable devices, said first and second field programmable devices having dissimilar addressing schemes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 1, wherein said field programmable devices comprises first and second field programmable devices, said first and second field programmable devices having the same addressing scheme.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-02 | 2000-12-02 | 2001-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | 2005-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-02 | 2008-12-02 | 2009-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |