US6917219B2 — Multi-chip programmable logic device having confi…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 126 words

A device, comprising: a configurable logic portion disposed on a first structure; and a configuration memory disposed on a second structure, the first structure physically separable from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being disposed in a stacked relation to one another, wherein the first structure is coupled to the second structure such that configuration data is communicated from the configuration memory to the configurable logic portion and configures the configurable logic portion, wherein one of the first and second structures comprises a protruding alignment structure, and the other of the first and second structures comprises a recessed alignment structure, the protruding alignment structure engaging the recessed alignment structure when the first structure and the second structure are in said stacked relation.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 126 words

A device, comprising: a configurable logic portion disposed on a first structure; and a configuration memory disposed on a second structure, the first structure physically separable from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being disposed in a stacked relation to one another, wherein the first structure is coupled to the second structure such that configuration data is communicated from the configuration memory to the configurable logic portion and configures the configurable logic portion, wherein one of the first and second structures comprises a protruding alignment structure, and the other of the first and second structures comprises a recessed alignment structure, the protruding alignment structure engaging the recessed alignment structure when the first structure and the second structure are in said stacked relation.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is a field programmable gate array, and wherein the configurable logic portion comprises configurable logic blocks, input/output blocks, and a programmable interconnect structure.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configurable logic portion comprises a plurality of pass transistors, and wherein the configuration memory comprises a plurality of memory cells, each of the memory cells storing a configuration data bit that controls a corresponding one of the plurality of pass transistors.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 45 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the first structure comprises a first micropad, and wherein the second structure comprises a second micropad, the first structure being coupled to the second structure such that the first micropad is in electrical communication with the second micropad.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configurable logic portion is disposed on a face of the first structure, and wherein the configuration memory is disposed on a face of the second structure, and wherein the first structure is bonded to the second structure in a face-to-face relation.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 65 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the first structure and the second structure each have a face and a backside, wherein the configurable logic portion is disposed on the face of the first structure, wherein the configuration memory is disposed on the face of the second structure, and wherein the face of the first structure is bonded to the backside of the second structure.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 65 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the first structure and the second structure each have a face and a backside, wherein the configurable logic portion is disposed on the face of the first structure, wherein the configuration memory is disposed on the face of the second structure, and wherein the face of the second structure is bonded to the backside of the first structure.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 71 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the first structure has a face and a backside surface, and wherein the second structure has a face and a backside surface, the configurable logic portion being disposed on the face of the first structure, and wherein the configuration memory is disposed on the face of the second structure, and wherein the first structure is coupled to the second structure in a face-to-face relation.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configuration memory comprises a plurality of configuration memory cells.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configuration memory comprises first voltage distribution grid, a second voltage distribution grid, and a plurality of micropads, each of the micropads being connected to a selected one of the first and second voltage distribution grids.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configuration memory contains no memory cells that store configuration data bits.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 1 , wherein the configuration memory provides configuration data bits by providing connections from the configurable logic portion to logic one and logic zero voltage sources.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 110 words

A method of forming a device, comprising: stacking a first structure and a second structure together, the first structure physically separable from the second structure, and electrically connecting the first structure to the second structure such that a configuration data bit maintained on the second structure is communicated to the first structure, the configuration data bit configuring configurable logic on the first structure, wherein one of the first and second structures includes a protruding alignment feature, and the other of the first and second structures includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first structure and the second structure are stacked together.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 110 words

A method of forming a device, comprising: stacking a first structure and a second structure together, the first structure physically separable from the second structure, and electrically connecting the first structure to the second structure such that a configuration data bit maintained on the second structure is communicated to the first structure, the configuration data bit configuring configurable logic on the first structure, wherein one of the first and second structures includes a protruding alignment feature, and the other of the first and second structures includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first structure and the second structure are stacked together.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 13 , wherein the first structure and the second structure together comprise a field programmable gate array, the configurable logic comprising a pass transistor of a programmable interconnect structure of the field programmable gate array.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 13 , wherein the first structure comprises a first micropad, and wherein the second structure comprises a second micropad, and wherein the configuration data bit is communicated from the second structure to the first structure through an electrical connection established between the second micropad and the first micropad.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 13 , wherein the first structure and the second structure together comprise a programmable logic device, the programmable logic device comprising a configuration memory and a configurable logic portion, wherein substantially all of the configuration memory is disposed on the second structure, and wherein substantially all of the configurable logic portion is disposed on the first structure.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 60 words

An integrated circuit, comprising: a programmable logic portion including a plurality of configurable elements; and a plurality of micropads disposed across a surface of the integrated circuit, each of the micropads being coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of configurable elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of micropads are one of protruding micropads and recessed micropads.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 60 words

An integrated circuit, comprising: a programmable logic portion including a plurality of configurable elements; and a plurality of micropads disposed across a surface of the integrated circuit, each of the micropads being coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of configurable elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of micropads are one of protruding micropads and recessed micropads.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

The integrated circuit of claim 17 , wherein each of the micropads is usable to receive a bit of configuration data onto the integrated circuit.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 118 words

A method of forming an integrated circuit device comprising: providing a first device having configurable circuitry for implementing a logic function and a plurality of first micropads disposed in a pattern on a surface of the first device; providing a second device having circuitry for providing configuration signals and a plurality of second micropads disposed in the pattern, the second device being adapted to be coupled to the surface of the first device in a stacked relation such that each of the first micropads on the first device couples with a corresponding one of the second micropads on the second device wherein at least some of the plurality of micropads are one of protruding micoropads and recessed micropads.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 118 words

A method of forming an integrated circuit device comprising: providing a first device having configurable circuitry for implementing a logic function and a plurality of first micropads disposed in a pattern on a surface of the first device; providing a second device having circuitry for providing configuration signals and a plurality of second micropads disposed in the pattern, the second device being adapted to be coupled to the surface of the first device in a stacked relation such that each of the first micropads on the first device couples with a corresponding one of the second micropads on the second device wherein at least some of the plurality of micropads are one of protruding micoropads and recessed micropads.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method of claim 19 , further comprising: providing a third device that includes a plurality of third micropads disposed in the pattern, the third device being adapted to be coupled to the surface of the first device in a stacked relation such that each of the plurality of first micropads on the first device couples with a corresponding one of the third micropads on the third device, wherein the second device and the third device have different circuitry.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein each of the second micropads on the second device is hardwired to receive one of a first logic value and a second logic value.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein the second device is a mask-programmable device, wherein at least some of the second micropads are programmably couplable to one of a first voltage distribution grid on the second device and a second voltage distribution grid on the second device.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 107 words

A method, comprising: coupling a first device having configurable logic to a second device having structure for providing configuration data bits in a stacked relation such that the configuration data bits stored on the second device are communicated from the second device to the configurable logic on the first device such that the configurable logic on the first device is configured to realize a user-defined circuit; and providing a third device having the configurable logic of the first device and further structure supplying each of the data bits of the second device such that the third device implements the same user-defined circuit as does the first device.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 107 words

A method, comprising: coupling a first device having configurable logic to a second device having structure for providing configuration data bits in a stacked relation such that the configuration data bits stored on the second device are communicated from the second device to the configurable logic on the first device such that the configurable logic on the first device is configured to realize a user-defined circuit; and providing a third device having the configurable logic of the first device and further structure supplying each of the data bits of the second device such that the third device implements the same user-defined circuit as does the first device.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 23 , further comprising: using the first device and the second device that are in a stacked relation to test the user-defined circuit prior to said providing the third device.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 23 , the further structure of the third device comprises a power supply grid and a ground potential grid, each of the plurality of micropads of the third device being coupled to one of the power supply grid and the ground potential grid.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 23 , wherein the first device and the second device that are in a stacked relation together comprise a field programmable gate array.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 23 , wherein the third device comprises a factory programmed gate array.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 83 words

The method of claim 23 wherein the step of providing a third device having the configurable logic of the first device and further structure comprises forming a logic portion having a structure substantially identical to a structure of the first device except for a top mask layer; and adding to the logic portion a substitute top mask layer having micropads corresponding to micropads of the first device and a grid of metal lines for supply high and low voltages to the logic portion.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 23 wherein: the step of providing a third device having the configurable logic of the first device and further structure comprises forming a logic portion having a structure substantially identical to a structure of the first device; and adding to the logic portion a top mask layer having a grid of metal lines for supply high and low voltages to the logic portion.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 116 words

A device comprising: a configurable logic portion disposed on a first die; and a configuration memory disposed on a second die, the first die and the second die being disposed in a stacked relation to one another, wherein the first die is coupled to the second die such that configuration data is communicated from the configuration memory to the configurable logic portion and configures the configurable logic portion; wherein one of the first and second dice includes a protruding alignment feature, and wherein the other of the first and second dice includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first die and the second die are stacked together.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 116 words

A device comprising: a configurable logic portion disposed on a first die; and a configuration memory disposed on a second die, the first die and the second die being disposed in a stacked relation to one another, wherein the first die is coupled to the second die such that configuration data is communicated from the configuration memory to the configurable logic portion and configures the configurable logic portion; wherein one of the first and second dice includes a protruding alignment feature, and wherein the other of the first and second dice includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first die and the second die are stacked together.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein the device is a field programmable gate array, and wherein the configurable logic portion comprises configurable logic blocks, input/output blocks, and a programmable interconnect structure.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein the configurable logic portion comprises a plurality of pass transistors, and wherein the configuration memory comprises a plurality of memory cells, each of the memory cells storing a configuration data bit that controls a corresponding one of the plurality of pass transistors.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 45 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein the first die comprises a first micropad, and wherein the second die comprises a second micropad, the first die being coupled to the second die such that the first micropad is in electrical communication with the second micropad.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 43 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein the configuration memory comprises first voltage distribution grid, a second voltage distribution grid, and a plurality of micropads, each of the micropads being connected to a selected one of the first and second voltage distribution grids.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 30 words

The device of claim 30 , wherein the configuration memory provides configuration data bits by providing connections from the configurable logic portion to logic one and logic zero voltage sources.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of forming a device, comprising: stacking a first die and a second die together and electrically connecting the first die to the second die such that a configuration data bit maintained on the second die is communicated to the first die, the configuration data bit configuring configurable logic on the first die; wherein one of the first and second dice includes a protruding alignment feature, and wherein the other of the first and second dice includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first die and second die are stacked together.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of forming a device, comprising: stacking a first die and a second die together and electrically connecting the first die to the second die such that a configuration data bit maintained on the second die is communicated to the first die, the configuration data bit configuring configurable logic on the first die; wherein one of the first and second dice includes a protruding alignment feature, and wherein the other of the first and second dice includes a recessed alignment feature, the protruding alignment feature engaging the recessed alignment feature when the first die and second die are stacked together.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 36 , wherein the first die and the second die together comprise a field programmable gate array, the configurable logic comprising a pass transistor of a programmable interconnect structure of the field programmable gate array.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 36 , wherein the first die comprises a first micropad, and wherein the second die comprises a second micropad, and wherein the configuration data bit is communicated from the second die to the first die through an electrical connection established between the second micropad and the first micropad.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 36 , wherein the first die and the second die together comprise a programmable logic device, the programmable logic device comprising a configuration memory and a configurable logic portion, wherein substantially all of the configuration memory is disposed on the second die, and wherein substantially all of the configurable logic portion is disposed on the first die.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2008-07-11	2009-01-10	2009-07-12	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2012-07-11	2013-01-10	2013-07-12	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2016-07-11	2017-01-10	2017-07-12	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Multi-chip programmable logic device having configurable logic circuitry and configuration data storage on different dice

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