FPGA-Based Mobile Computer Self-Diagnosis in Rugged Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile personal computers used in rugged environments face challenges in monitorability, diagnosability, and repairability due to extreme conditions and remote locations, making conventional repair methods impractical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that monitors system voltage, environmental characteristics, and gravity-induced forces, allowing for reconfiguration of non-volatile memory and diagnostic applications to manage system operations, including parking hard drive heads, managing temperature, and enabling remote diagnostics and repair through wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional repair methods are used for mobile computers in rugged environments, then repair facilities and technicians are required, but these are hard to come by in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-diagnosis and self-repair through automated fault detection, logging, and notification mechanisms. The mobile computer can identify its own problems, store diagnostic information, and communicate issues remotely without requiring physical technician intervention for initial assessment and triage.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote communication interface acts as an intermediary between the mobile computer and repair facilities. This interface transmits diagnostic data and receives repair instructions, bridging the gap between isolated field devices and centralized repair resources without requiring physical presence at the remote location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile computers operate in extreme temperature and geography environments, then they face more opportunities for problems and malfunctions, but conventional operating parameters cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on environmental conditions through sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, and other physical factors. The controller modifies system behavior in real-time to maintain optimal performance across varying environmental conditions, transitioning from static to adaptive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental sensors provide continuous feedback about operating conditions to the controller, which adjusts system parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the computer to maintain reliability by compensating for environmental stressors through real-time parameter modification and fault detection.
3Measurement precision
If fault detection and diagnostic capabilities are enhanced for rugged environments, then monitorability and diagnosability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages normal computer operations, monitors environmental sensors, detects faults, logs diagnostic information, and communicates with remote systems. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves enhanced diagnostic capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines environmental monitoring, fault detection, diagnostic logging, and communication capabilities into an integrated monitoring subsystem. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while providing comprehensive monitoring and diagnostic capabilities through a unified system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal computer and methods of reconfiguration are described. An implementation of a personal computer may comprise a processor portion running a diagnostic application. A field programmable gate array in communication with the processor portion may be provided. A configurable non-volatile computer memory in communication with the field programmable gate array and wherein the field programmable gate array is programmed to reconfigure the non-volatile computer memory may be provided. Methods of reconfiguration of a personal computer are provided.