Programmable Logic Device Radiation Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor devices face challenges in achieving high reliability, low power consumption, and compact size while maintaining high-speed operation, especially in environments with varying radiation levels that can cause soft errors.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device incorporating a programmable logic device with a control circuit and detection circuit that switches between multi-context and radiation-resistant modes based on radiation levels, utilizing metal oxide transistors for low power consumption and high reliability, and multiplexing logic elements to reduce area and enhance error resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional semiconductor devices are used to achieve high-speed operation, then operation speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to soft errors from radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The logic element is divided into multiple contexts (first context, second context, third context) that can be independently controlled. Each context can be selectively activated based on radiation conditions, allowing the system to segment functionality to maintain reliability while preserving high-speed operation capabilities when conditions permit
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor device dynamically switches between different operational modes (first mode with selected context, second mode with all contexts activated) based on detected radiation levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between speed and reliability in real-time according to environmental conditions
2Reliability
If radiation-resistant modes with multiple contexts are activated, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the activation state of different contexts based on radiation detection. In low-radiation environments, only necessary contexts are activated to minimize power consumption. In high-radiation environments, all contexts are activated to ensure reliability, creating a dynamic power-reliability optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (context selection, mode switching) based on radiation level parameters. This parameter adaptation allows the device to consume minimal power under normal conditions while transitioning to higher-power radiation-resistant modes only when necessary, resolving the power-reliability tradeoff
3Area of moving object
If logic elements are multiplexed to reduce area, then device area is reduced, but complexity of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logic element is segmented into multiple contexts that share common circuit resources. This segmentation allows area reduction through resource sharing while the control complexity is managed by a dedicated control circuit that selectively activates specific contexts based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple contexts share common circuit resources (multiplexing), making the same physical circuit serve multiple logical functions. The control circuit provides universal control over all contexts, managing complexity through a unified control interface that selects which context to activate based on radiation conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A novel semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a programmable logic device including a programmable logic element, a control circuit, and a detection circuit. The programmable logic device includes a plurality of contexts. The control circuit is configured to control selection of the contexts. The detection circuit is configured to output a signal corresponding to the amount of radiation. The control circuit is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode in accordance with the signal corresponding to the amount of radiation. The first mode is a mode in which the programmable logic device performs processing by a multi-context method, and the second mode is a mode in which the programmable logic device performs processing using a majority signal of signals output from the logic element multiplexed by the plurality of contexts.