Changeable Decoder Structure for a Folded Logic Array

The present invention relates to arrays for performing logic functions and more particularly relates to a new decoder for PLAs.

It is well known to perform logic in an array of identical circuit elements each located at a unique intersection of an input and output line in a grid of input and output lines. Co-pending patent applications 537,219, filed on Dec. 30, 1974; 537,218, filed on Dec. 30, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,812; and 591,208 filed on June 27, 1975 and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention describe such a PLA in which a number of decoders feed inputs to a first array called a product term generator or an AND array which in turn supplies outputs to a second array called a sum of product term generator or an OR array. The input lines of these arrays each have input variables fed to either or both ends. When input variables are fed to both ends of an input line, the input line is segmented to separate logic functions performed on input variable fed to one end from logic functions performed on input variables fed to the other end. The input variables to the AND array are the outputs of two, two-bit decoders. Each two-bit decoder feeds one side of four input lines. This permits the four input lines to perform logic functions involving two sets of variables each made up of all the possible combinations of two binary input signals fed to the same side of the array. Co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 629,260, filed on even date herewith describes a decoder in which each four input lines are connected to four one-bit decoders at their opposite ends. The decoders and the input lines are interconnected so that each two input variables are presented at each end so they will perform the usual two-bit decoding onto the four input lines. However, connections between the decoders and input lines of the array can be broken to perform logic functions of single variables and of sets of variables made up of one input signal on either side of the array. While this is a considerable improvement in flexibility, it would be advantageous to perform logic functions of three, four or more variables in addition to the above mentioned combination of logic functions.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention a new decoder is provided that permits performing logic on functions of two variables both positioned on the same side of the AND array with functions of two variables positioned on opposite sides of the AND array or logic functions of single variables and to be used in combination with other decoders to perform logic functions involving sets of three or more input variables. Instead of having four input lines connected at opposite ends to one output of a different two-bit decoder, each of the four lines is connected to a rail system that can be changed to connect the lines to a one or more one-bit decoder of a single variable. The flexibility of the system permits the decoding of sets of one, two, three and four variables merely by changing the connection in the rails.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new decoder for use with a logic array.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a decoder that permits more variations in functions performed by it.

These and other objects can best be understood by referring to the accompanying figures of which:

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of decoders and input lines interconnected in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2 thru 7 show various decoding functions of one, two, three and four input variables that can be performed by the decoder shown in FIG. 1; and,

FIGS. 8 thru 13 show how the inputs and output connections of the decoders of FIG. 1 can be personalized to perform the various decoding functions shown in FIGS. 2 thru 7.

Referring now to FIG. 1, each four lines 10 in the AND array 12 of the PLA described in the above mentioned co-pending patent application is positioned opposite two sets of four single bit input decoders 14 arranged on opposite sides of the array. These input decoders are fed input signals thru a rail system 16 as described and claimed in the above mentioned co-pending patent application Ser. No. 537,218, filed Dec. 30, 1974 so that inputs to the decoders 14 can be changed as desired.

The output lines 20 of the decoders are lines that are diffused into the substrate of the semiconductor chip containing the PLA. Certain of these diffused output lines 20 such as line 20a are unchangeably coupled to one of the input lines 10 of the array 12 formed of a metallized pattern on the upper surface of an oxide passivization layer on top of the substrate through a metallized via hole 22a that passes through the oxide layer. Examples of such via hole connections between metallized lines can be found in the first referenced co-pending applications.

Other of the output lines like line 20b are not necessarily connected to any of the input lines 10. Likewise, certain of the input lines 10 of the array have diffused extensions 26 instead of being fixed to the output line 20 of a decoder. However, each of the output lines 20 and extension 26 have a number of via holes 22 placed above them to permit selective connections between the diffused lines 20 and 26.

The selective connections are performed by metal lines such as line 28a that will join diffused lines such as line 20c to a diffused portion of the input line 26a through two metallized via holes 22b and 22c. The via holes are arranged so that connections can be made between the various lines by straight line metallized segments 28 on top of the insulating layer of the chip.

With this arrangement decoders 14 can be connected to decode input signals in a number of ways. First of all, as shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 can be used to provide a single bit decode of four inputs A to D or as shown in FIG. 3, to provide a two-bit decode of two sets of inputs AB and CD arranged on opposite sides of the array. In both these cases the input lines 10 must be segmented in the manner described in the above mentioned co-pending applications to isolate functions. In addition, like the arrangement shown in co-pending application Ser. No. 629,260, filed on even date herewith the input lines 10 can be retained unsegmented to decode a set of two input variables where the inputs are on opposite sides of the array.

Furthermore, the decoder of the present invention can decode three or more input variables in the manner described in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 by using two or more sets of the lines 10 and decoders 14 shown in FIG. 1. In each of the FIGS. 2 thru 7 a set of four decoders are given a letter-number combination that represents a particular configuration of the connection to and from four decoders shown in FIG. 1. Decoders on the lefthand side of the array are numbered L1 thru L3 while the decoders on the righthand side are numbered R1 thru R3. FIGS. 8 thru 13 show the various configurations for the output decoders. FIG. 8 is the L1 configuration. FIG. 9 is the R1 configuration. FIG. 10 is the L2 configuration, FIG. 11 is the R2 configuration while FIGS. 12 and 13 are the L3 and R3 combinations respectively. By substituting decoders shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 in the position of each box marked with its number designation shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 can be performed as shown.

Therefore it can be seen that we have described a decoder system that can be changed merely by changing the metallization pattern on the top surface of the array to perform any one of a number of different decoding functions, and it should be apparent that while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.