EMMA - A suggestion for an embedded multi-precision multiplier array for FPGAs

Abstract

This paper presents a non-monolithic top-down reconfigurable multiplier suitable for embedding in an FPGA structure. It is constructed of four individual partitions that can operate as separate multipliers but also concatenate to form a superior multiplier with increased precision and sign handling ability. The number of possible operation modes is limited in order to keep the reconfiguration overhead low. A small set of control signals determines behavior and mode selection. Inactive partitions are disconnected from the supply to save power. EMMA (Embedded Multi-precision Multiplier Array) can compute signed twopsilas complement numbers at up to 32 times 16-bit precision when all partitions are active and concatenated, or up to four separate 16 times 8-bit multiplications running simultaneously.