LogoRothko: 3-Dimensional FPGA's

Rothko, our 3-dimensional field programmable gate array architecture, extends the Routing and Logic Block (RLB) model developed for the Triptych architecture. This model is similar to a sea-of-gates model where individual cells can be used for routing or logic. We extended this to three dimensions by adding connections to each RLB from above and below. This makes our architecture truly 3-D with each logic block having connections to logic blocks on other layers. The three dimensional technology used in Rothko is developed by the Microfabrication Group at Northeastern University, which is based on transferred circuits with interconnections between layers of active devices. Interconnections are in metal, and can be placed anywhere on the chip.

Researchers:

Faculty:

Miriam Leeser, Ph.D.

Waleed Meleis, Ph.D.

Michael Vai, Ph.D.

Graduate Students:

Silviu Chiricescu

Weidong Xu

Yu-Ting Lai

Rothko Architecture:

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Routing Structure within a Layer:

2D Structure

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RLB Vertical Connection

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Segmented Routing Channel

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3-D Routing & Logic Block (RLB)

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Rothko RLB Layout

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Why do we call it Rothko?

Mark Rothko {rahth'-koh}

The American artist Mark Rothko, b. Dvinsk, Russia, Sept. 25, 1903, d. Feb. 25, 1970, was the most transcendental painter associated with ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM. He is famous for his paint style: rectangles of glowing color suspended one above another against a luminous field.

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Technical Papers

Rothko: A Three Dimensional FPGA Architecture, its Fabrication, and Design Tools (Poscript File Available)

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Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Scott Hauck for his help with the Triptych architecture.

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