Field-programmable device with buffer between programmable circuits

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Field-programmable device with buffer between programmable circuits. A field-programmable device contains a buffer located between a pair of programmable circuits along a column connecting the circuits. The buffer provides increased current to the column portion connected to one of the circuits without increasing the current supply requirements for the column portion connected to the other circuit. This permits the device to switch faster and/or to accommodate programmable circuits of large size. The buffer also enables the same select circuitry to be used in programming both circuits without causing a significant voltage between them during normal operation.