Can OpenFPGA build a bidir segment FPGA architecture?

[colleen-rin]

Hi, can OpenFPGA build a bidir segment FPGA architecture?
I tried to change a undir segment FPGA, which was k6_N10_sram_chain_HC_template.xml, to a bidir segment by modifying the content of the <segmentlist> tag and the <switchlist> tag. This way was successful in VPR, but was failed in OpenFPGA. I tried to look for the example xml files of the bidir FPGA architectures, but I found no one. I also read the OpenFPGA documentation, but I couldn't find the content about describing a bidir FPGA architecture.

[tangxifan]

Hello,
Currently, we support uni-direction architecture mainly. If you try to run a bi-dir architecture, OpenFPGA will tell you clearly it is not yet supported.
This decision is based on the well-known paper Directional and single-driver wires in FPGA interconnect
The majority of modern FPGAs use uni-directional routing architecture, which is far more efficient than the bi-directional.

However, it is not difficult to support bi-directional routing in the OpenFPGA data structures.
If you are interested, we can talk.

Best regards,
Xifan Tang

[colleen-rin]

Hi, Thanks for your response.
I am still interesting about describing a bidir structure in the OpenFPGA. If you can discuss it with me, I will be very grateful!

[tangxifan]

Hello,
Can you provide me an email address? So we can schedule a conference call? Thanks