Use of multi-port memories in programmable structures for architectural synthesis

Abstract

In this paper we make a study of the capabilities required of memories to support the synthesis of designs using structured architectures. We explore the advantages of using multi-port memories with two write ports as an architectural component over conventional memories with a single write port in such a synthesis environment. A study the of the memory resources available in some of the current Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) is made. We then propose a multi-port memory structure that could be suitable for use in programmable structures such as FPGAs, to facilitate implementations of designs through HLS. The principal advantages of the proposed memory structure are its flexibility, simplicity and its ability to support more efficient execution of operations than existing memory structures.