This new version integrates core tool enhancements that improve the eFPGA utilisation and performance of designer's RTL, particularly in the area of reconfigurable computing.
The Tool Suite integrates fully open-source modules for scalability, longevity, and full code transparency.
New features include:
Asymmetric BlockRAM (BRAM) Inferencing – Reconfigurable computing algorithms, particularly ones that involve cryptography or the real-time update of weights when implementing convolutional neural networks often require different read/write widths of BRAMs. The Inferencing feature now available in Aurora reduces the need for manual modification of a user's RTL design.
State-of-the-Art "Single Stage" Routing – The maximum operating frequency (Fmax) of a user's design is a function of the efficiency of the Placement and Routing (PnR) algorithms adopted by the FPGA User Tool. Aurora version 2.4 integrates a state-of-the-art Single Stage Routing algorithm that boosts Fmax of a user's design targeting QuickLogic eFPGA cores by up to 24% according to QuickLogic's extensive suite of benchmark designs. The algorithm was developed through a funded research programme at the University of Toronto.
Power Calculation –eFPGA cores have nearly unlimited reprogrammability, therefore, understanding dynamic power consumption across various use cases can be an incredibly time-consuming task. This latest version of the Aurora FPGA Tools calculates dynamic power from a user's design's clock frequencies and extracted capacitance models extracted from QuickLogic's ASIC-like design methodology. Moreover, with QuickLogic's Continuous Integration (CI) infrastructure, Command Line Interface (CLI) option, and advanced scripting examples, FPGA users can calculate anticipated power consumption across libraries of user designs – in a fully automated way.
Usability – Validating functionality and timing closure can be an arduous task for FPGA users. Version 2.4 of Aurora FPGA User Tools includes several developments to the workflow to improve overall user's design time. These include:
- Upgraded Integrated Development Environment,
- Project Workspace,
- Execution Control Panel,
- Expanded Log Console,
- Physical Viewer,
- Critical Path Analysis, and
- Detailed Timing/Utilization Information.
"QuickLogic's commitment to excellence is evident in the release of Aurora version 2.4 eFPGA/FPGA User Tools," said Mao Wang, senior director of product development at QuickLogic. "The latest version of the tool delivers significant performance and utilisation improvements for our customers and empowers them to create more efficient designs."
QuickLogic's new Aurora 2.4 Development Tool Suite is available now.
