Radio frequency identification (RFID) and programmable logic device (PLD) integration and applications

摘要

A Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), is provided with components of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and circuitry to enhance operation. The RFID antenna and circuitry is provided in either directly in layers of the die forming the PLD, on a die package containing the PLD die, or on a printed circuit board containing the PLD. An RFID antenna provides a source of power from an external electromagnetic radiation source (such as an RFID reader) during storage of the PLD to prevent loss of decryption software in volatile memory should batteries run down. The RFID antenna can further provide a path for providing a bitstream to program the PLD as well as to read data to verify programming. With multiple PLDs having RFID antennas, programming of the PLDs can be performed in parallel. Further, the RFID antenna can be used with limited PLD resources to identify the PLD for inventory.