JP2008146548A - Electronic apparatus and method of confirming version of fpga - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus or the like capable of making it possible to confirm the version of an FPGA by vision without supplying power and notifying a user that a displayed version and an actual version are different when they are different. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus is provided with a version display part electrically connected to the FPGA for displaying the version of the FPGA so as to be visually confirmed by a human and holding it so as to be read by the FPGA. The FPGA is provided with a version storage part for storing the version, the version read from the version display part and the version stored in the version storage part are compared when the power is supplied to the electronic apparatus, and the electronic apparatus is rebooted when both do not match. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and more particularly to a technique for confirming a version of an executable file stored in an FPGA.

  In recent years, circuits have also become large-scale, high-speed and complicated, and FPGAs are surely mounted on devices composed of such circuits. By mounting the FPGA, it is possible to freely debug and adjust circuit errors and clock delays, and it is possible to prevent rework of the base and the gate array. On the other hand, the version of the contents of the executable file increases as the debugging progresses, so a method for confirming the version of the FPGA mounted on the device being evaluated is required.

  Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a management version number of a digital communication device is stored in a register and is referred to from a remote place through a communication line.

  In Patent Document 2, the version information stored in the FPGA on the board is compared with the version information set in advance in the control device, and when the two versions are different, the user is notified of the difference and the version number. A version monitoring device is described.

Sho 63-231657 JP 2002-169701 A

According to the above prior art, it is necessary to turn on the power of the apparatus in order to check the version of the FPGA, and there is a problem that the version cannot be checked visually before turning on the power.
There is also a method of attaching a label with a version written on the FPGA and checking it visually, but it is wasteful to change the label every time the version changes tens or hundreds of times, and the label and FPGA are actually used. There is no guarantee that the versions of the executable files will match.

  Therefore, the present invention can visually check the version of the FPGA without turning on the power, and can notify the user when the displayed version is different from the actual version. The purpose is to provide.

  The first electronic device of the present invention includes a version display unit that is electrically connected to the FPGA, displays the version of the FPGA so that the human can visually recognize, and holds the FPGA so that the FPGA can read the FPGA. A version storage unit for storing the version is compared, and the version read from the version display unit when the electronic device is turned on is compared with the version stored in the version storage unit. Reboot the electronic device.

  In the above electronic device, the FPGA reads the electronic data when the version read from the version display unit and the version stored in the version storage unit do not match and the version read from the version display unit is a predetermined version. The device may not be rebooted.

  A second electronic device according to the present invention includes a version display unit that is electrically connected to the FPGA, displays the version of the FPGA so that it can be seen by a human, and holds the FPGA so that the FPGA can read the FPGA. The FPGA includes an electrically connected LED, and the FPGA includes a version storage unit that stores the version. The version read from the version display unit when the electronic device is powered on and the version stored in the version storage unit If the two do not match, the LED is lit in a predetermined manner.

  In the first or second electronic device, the version display unit is attachable to and detachable from a plurality of 2-pin posts and a strap for shorting the 2-pin posts, a plurality of dip switches, or a plurality of pads and each pad. You may comprise by chip resistance.

  A third electronic device of the present invention includes a memory that is electrically connected to the FPGA and stores a version of the FPGA, a plurality of LEDs that are electrically connected to the memory, a memory and a battery that supplies power to the LEDs, and The memory turns on or off the LED according to the version stored in the memory.

  The FPGA version checking method of the present invention can also solve the above-mentioned problem in the same manner as the electronic device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to visually check the version of the FPGA without turning on the electronic device, and to notify the user when the displayed version is different from the actual version.

Next, the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
On the printed circuit board 1 of FIG. 1, an FPGA 6 and a 2-pin post 2, a strap 3 for short-circuiting the 2-pin post 2, and a pattern wiring 5 connecting the post and the FPGA 6 are mounted. Circuit components (not shown) are also mounted on the printed circuit board 1 to constitute an electronic device.
A plurality of 2-pin posts 2 are mounted, and the version of the executable file written in the FPGA 6 indicates whether or not the strap 3 is attached to each 2-pin post 2. In the embodiment, six post terminals 2 are mounted, and two post terminals 2 represent integer digits of the version, and four post terminals 2 represent decimal digits. The decimal point 4 is written in silk characters between the integer digits and the decimal digits for easy attachment.
The version is also stored in the register of the FPGA 6.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, the user visually observes the 2-pin post 2 connected to the FPGA 6 by the pattern wiring 5 in order to confirm the version of the execution file of the FPGA 6 mounted on the printed circuit board 1. In FIG. 1, six 2-pin posts 2 are mounted, and two on the left side are used to indicate the version's integer digits, and four posts on the right side are used to indicate the decimal digits. In order to distinguish between an integer digit and a decimal digit, a decimal point 4 is shown in silk. Each post has a 1-bit meaning, and in the case of the embodiment, integer digits are 0 to 3 because 2 posts are used, and decimal digits are 0 to 15 because 4 posts are used. It is possible to show a total of 64 versions from 0.00 to 3.15. Whether each post indicates 1 or 0 is confirmed by whether or not the strap 3 for conducting the post is inserted. A post with a strap indicates 1, and a post without a strap indicates 0. In this case, the version of the FPGA executable file is 1.03. If you want to check the version by visual inspection, you can use this, but you can check whether the version actually matches the version of the executable file by turning on the power.

  When the power is turned on, the FPGA 6 reads the version represented by the 2-pin post 2 (S1). Next, the version read in S1 is compared with the version stored in the FPGA 6 (S2). If they match, a normal operation is performed (S3), and if they do not match, reboot (S4).

The effect of this embodiment is that the version of the executable file written in the FPGA 6 can be confirmed without turning on the base power. This is because the version of the FPGA 6 can be shown in binary display by mounting a plurality of 2 posts 2 and having the strap 3.
It is also possible to check whether the visually observed version matches the file version of the actual FPGA 6 by turning on the power. This is because the FPGA 6 has a function of comparing the version indicated by the post and the actual version of the executable file stored in the FPGA 6 when the power is turned on.
From these effects, it is possible to significantly reduce the work time that has been performed so far, for example, by connecting a personal computer to the FPGA 6 and comparing the label indicating the version with the actual version.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the 2-pin post 2 in FIG. 1 is replaced with a dip switch 7 and the position of the decimal point is represented by silk 4a. As in the first embodiment, the FPGA version is displayed by turning on / off the dip switch.
Replacing with a DIP switch makes it easy to change the version setting, and the use of SMD (Surface Mount Device) parts can also reduce the influence of the pattern wiring on the wiring range in a multilayer board.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, a chip resistor 9 is used instead of a post or a dip switch. The chip resistor is connected to the via 11 connected to the power source via the pattern 10 and pulled up. Only the pad 8 of the chip remains at the location where the chip resistor is removed, so that it is open. By using the chip resistor, the installation area can be reduced, and the component cost can be reduced at a low cost.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment of FIG. 1, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 12 connected to the FPGA 6 by the pattern wiring 5 is mounted, and the version shown by the 2-pin post 2 and the actual FPGA are mounted. When the versions of the executable files are different, the user can easily know that the versions are different by blinking the LED 12 or the like.

A flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment is shown in FIG.
The FPGA 6 reads the version indicated by the post (S11) and compares it with the version stored in the FPGA 6 (S12). This is the same as in the first embodiment. If the versions do not match in S12, the LED 12 is turned on in a predetermined manner such as blinking (S14).

  Also in the second and third embodiments, an LED can be provided in the same manner as described above to notify the user of a version mismatch.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the FPGA 6 is provided with a function for forcibly starting the electronic device regardless of the version match or mismatch. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, when the 2-pin posts 2 are in a predetermined state, for example, when all the 2-pin posts 2 are set to indicate 1, they can be forcibly activated.

A flow chart of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG.
The FPGA 6 reads the version indicated by the post (S21), compares it with the version stored in the FPGA 6 (S22), and if both match, performs normal operation (S23) This is the same as in the first embodiment. If the versions do not match in S22, it is determined whether all the 2-pin posts 2 represent 1 (S24).
When all the 2-pin posts 2 represent 1, even if the versions do not match, the system is forcibly started and the normal operation is performed (Yes in S24, S23). Otherwise, reboot (S24: No, S25).

  Also in the second and third embodiments, as in the fifth embodiment, if the dip switch 7 or the chip resistor 9 is set to a predetermined setting, it is forcibly activated even if the versions do not match. Can do.

FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the FPGA 6, the auxiliary battery 13, the flash ROM 14, and the LED 15 are mounted on the printed circuit board 1, and the version information is supplied by the auxiliary battery 13 supplying power to the LED 15 and the flash ROM 14 even after the main power of the apparatus is turned off. It is possible to hold
The version of the execution program stored in the FPGA 6 is stored in the flash ROM 14, and the flash ROM is configured to turn on / off the LED 15 according to the version as in the above embodiments.
Since the auxiliary battery 13 can be charged, it is charged while the main power is on, and the version of the FPGA 6 can be displayed after the main power is turned off until the auxiliary battery 13 is discharged.
As the memory for storing the FPGA version, a memory other than the flash ROM may be used as long as the stored contents can be rewritten.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 4th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the 4th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 5th Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the 5th Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 6th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printed Wiring Board 2 2 Pin Post 3 Strap 4 Decimal Point 5 Pattern Wiring 6 FPGA
7 DIP switch 8 Pad 9 Chip resistor 10 Pattern wiring 11 Via 12 LED
13 Auxiliary battery 14 Flash ROM
15 LED

Claims (14)

In an electronic device equipped with an FPGA,
A version display unit that is electrically connected to the FPGA and displays the version of the FPGA so that it can be seen by a human and can be read by the FPGA;
The FPGA includes a version storage unit for storing the version, and compares the version read from the version display unit when the electronic device is powered on with the version stored in the version storage unit, An electronic device characterized by rebooting the electronic device when the two do not match.   If the version read from the version display unit does not match the version stored in the version storage unit and the version read from the version display unit is a predetermined version, the FPGA The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the device is not rebooted. In an electronic device equipped with an FPGA,
A version display unit that is electrically connected to the FPGA, displays the version of the FPGA so that it can be seen by humans, and holds it so that the FPGA can read it, and is electrically connected to the FPGA With LEDs,
The FPGA includes a version storage unit for storing the version, and compares the version read from the version display unit when the electronic device is powered on with the version stored in the version storage unit, An electronic device characterized in that if the two do not match, the LED is lit in a predetermined manner.   4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the version display unit includes a plurality of 2-pin posts and a strap that is detachable from the 2-pin posts and short-circuits the 2-pin posts. 5. apparatus.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the version display unit includes a plurality of dip switches.   4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the version display unit includes a plurality of pads and a chip resistor that can be attached to and detached from each pad. In an electronic device equipped with an FPGA,
A memory electrically connected to the FPGA and storing a version of the FPGA;
A plurality of LEDs electrically connected to the memory;
A battery for supplying power to the memory and the LED,
The electronic device, wherein the memory turns on or off the LED according to a version stored in the memory. In a method for confirming a version of an FPGA included in an electronic device,
On the version display unit electrically connected to the FPGA, the version of the FPGA is displayed so that it can be seen by a human and held so that the FPGA can read it.
The FPGA compares the version read from the version display when the electronic device is powered on and the version stored in the FPGA, and if they do not match, reboots the electronic device A method for confirming a version of an FPGA, characterized in that:   The FPGA does not reboot the electronic device when the version read from the version display unit does not match the version stored in advance and the version read from the version display unit is a predetermined version. The method for confirming a version of an FPGA according to claim 8, wherein: In a method for confirming a version of an FPGA included in an electronic device,
On the version display unit electrically connected to the FPGA, the version of the FPGA is displayed so that it can be seen by a human and held so that the FPGA can read it.
The FPGA compares the version read from the version display when the electronic device is turned on with the version stored in the FPGA, and if the two do not match, the LED is The method for confirming a version of an FPGA according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the lighting is performed in a manner.   11. The FPGA according to claim 8, wherein the version is displayed and held by a plurality of 2-pin posts and a strap that is detachably attached to each 2-pin post and short-circuits the 2-pin posts. Version confirmation method.   11. The FPGA version confirmation method according to claim 8, wherein the version is displayed and held by a plurality of dip switches.   11. The FPGA version confirmation method according to claim 8, wherein the version is displayed and held by a plurality of pads and a chip resistor that can be attached to and detached from each pad. In a method for confirming a version of an FPGA included in an electronic device,
Power is supplied from a battery to a memory that is electrically connected to the FPGA and stores a version of the FPGA, and a plurality of LEDs that are electrically connected to the memory;
A method for confirming a version of an FPGA, wherein the memory turns on or off the LED according to a version stored in the memory.

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