Flexible Block-Multiplier Generation

In a high level synthesis environment there is a strong need for flexible module generators. For the generation of regular structures efficient dedicated module generators can be built. This paper describes the structure of a ’block– multiplier’, which features a wide range of area–time tradeoffs maintaining efficiency. The structure makes it possible to implement a fully serial or a fully parallel multiplier and many combinations in between. A new concept for the Carry–Hold circuitry plays a key role. The theoretically derived formulas which describe the relations between the area, timing and bitwidth of this multiplier structure are verified by a large number of experiments.