High Density Asynchronous LUT Based on Non-volatile MRAM Technology

Abstract

In this article, we present the architecture design of high-performance Asynchronous Look Up Table (LUT) embedded with a non-volatile Magnetic RAM (MRAM) as the configuration memory, called MALUT. It promises a number of advantages over the traditional FPGA circuits such as "free" standby power, high operating frequency and instant on/off etc. Thanks to the 3D integration and high density of MRAM, finegrain run-time reconfiguration and multi-context configuration can be achieved. An automatic design flow has been developed for the design of complex hybrid CMOS/MRAM circuits. Based on CMOS 130nm and MRAM 120nm technology, mixed simulations and layout implementation have been done to demonstrate the expected operation and configuration performances. At last, we discuss and conclude.

Monolithic 3-D FPGAs

“…Extensive work has also been carried out to optimize circuit designs of NV-logic blocks (mainly LUTs) to reduce device count and improve performance with given device characteristics [58]. Additional features, such as multicontext configuration and dynamic reconfiguration, have also been proposed with little hardware overhead, thanks to the 3-D architecture [59]. With NV-SRAM and NV-logic blocks in place, a nonvolatile FPGA can then be built to have the ''normally off, instantly on'' feature.…”