FPGA based configurable CPU additionally including second programmable section for implementation of custom hardware support

摘要

An integrated programmed logic circuit for performing complementary hardware and software based logic functions includes multiple programmed circuit portions. The portion programmed for performing the software based logic functions is programmably configured in a circuit configuration which includes and changes among multiple operation configuration states in accordance with its execution of its instructions. The portion programmed for performing the hardware based logic functions is programmably configured in a circuit configuration which remains in a single operation configuration state prior to, during and subsequent to its processing of data. Hence, the division of processing, i.e., hardware based and software based, can be designed as most appropriate for the particular application, e.g., more hardware based and less software based processing when speed is more important, and more software based and less hardware based processing when processing flexibility is more important.