Method and system for programming a gate array using a compressed configuration bit stream

摘要

A generalized data decompression engine is incorporated within a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"). The generalized data decompression engine uses a general purpose data decompression technique such as, for example, a Lempel-Ziv type technique. During operation, a compressed configuration bit stream is received by the generalized data decompression engine in the FPGA and is decompressed thereby. A resultant decompressed configuration bit stream is then used to program logic cells within the FPGA.