Programmable interconnects speed system verification

A family of CMOS integrated circuits called field programmable interconnect components (FPICs) that can provide designers with the high-density interconnect architectures for making programmable hardware a reality is discussed. The FPIC devices address a broad spectrum of interconnect needs, including system prototypes and breadboards, user-specific/configurable printed circuit boards (PCBs), application configurable processors, test interfaces, and programmable connector and switching matrix applications. Using FPIC devices for system prototyping, in conjunction with other programmable components (programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSP, and programmable memory) enhance the design verification process, allowing faster, more flexible, and thorough product integration. Field programmable circuit boards (FPCBs) designed to take advantage of the high density interconnect and observability of FPIC devices and a FPIC/FPCB development environment are described.<>