FPGA Bitstream Rotation for Pass-Gate Lifetime Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The lifespan of programmable integrated circuits (ICs) like FPGAs is limited by the reliability of their pass gates, and custom circuitry to extend their lifetime increases cost and size, which is a concern in long-duration space missions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating multiple configuration bitstreams that implement functionally equivalent circuits on a programmable IC, each using disjoint subsets of pass gates, allowing the IC to be operated with different bitstreams at different times to extend its lifespan and enable operation beyond rated voltage levels without increasing the risk of early failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If custom circuitry is designed to extend the lifespan of pass gates, then the operational duration is improved, but the device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the set of pass gates into multiple disjoint subsets, where each configuration bitstream activates a different subset. This segmentation allows the system to rotate through different subsets over time, effectively extending the operational lifespan of individual pass gates while maintaining the same functional circuitry, thus avoiding the need for custom extended-life circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by switching between multiple configuration bitstreams that program different subsets of pass gates. By varying which subset is active at any given time, the system extends the effective lifespan of the pass gates without modifying their physical structure or adding custom circuitry.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple configuration bitstreams are used to extend IC lifespan, then the operational duration is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the standard FPGA manufacturing process multi-functional by enabling it to produce multiple configuration bitstreams from a single circuit design. These bitstreams can be stored and selectively applied to extend IC lifespan, thereby enhancing the utility of the standard manufacturing process without requiring separate custom manufacturing lines.
3Reliability
If disjoint subsets of pass gates are programmed by different bitstreams, then the reliability is improved through load distribution, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pass gates into disjoint subsets that are programmed by different configuration bitstreams. This segmentation distributes the operational load across multiple subsets, improving reliability by preventing any single subset from experiencing excessive wear, while avoiding the need for complex custom circuitry through the use of standard FPGA programming capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for operating a programmable integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. One configuration bitstream of two or more configuration bitstreams is selected. Each configuration bitstream implements a functionally equivalent circuit on the programmable IC and programs a respective subset of pass gates of the programmable IC. Each subset of pass gates programmed by the configuration bitstreams is disjoint from each other subset of pass gates. The programmable IC, which is defect-free, is configured with the selected configuration bitstream. The defect-free programmable IC is then operated for a period of time. The selecting, configuring and operating are repeated, and for successive selecting operations, different ones of the configuration bitstreams are selected.