Self-healing Embryonic Cell Using Reversible Logic and Time-division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor technologies face challenges in achieving smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient devices due to excessive heat generation and the need for self-healing capabilities, which often result in increased area overhead and reduced computational throughput.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an embryonic cell with reversible logic and time-division multiplexing capabilities allows for self-healing without additional spare cells, enabling a cell to perform its own task and that of a neighboring faulty cell within a single clock cycle, reducing power dissipation and area overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant functional cells are added to achieve self-healing capability, then reliability is improved, but area overhead increases and computational throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional block is designed to perform multiple functions by being reconfigurable. It can operate in a first state performing its dedicated task using a first function, or in a second state taking over the task of a neighboring faulty cell using a second function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for redundant cells while maintaining self-healing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Time-division multiplexing is employed where the functional block alternates between performing its own task and performing the task of a neighboring cell within a single clock cycle. This periodic switching allows one cell to effectively serve dual purposes, reducing area overhead while maintaining computational throughput.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant functional cells are added to achieve self-healing capability, then reliability is improved, but computational throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Time-division multiplexing allows the functional block to switch between functions within a single clock cycle, performing its own task during one time period and the neighboring cell's task during another time period. This ensures that computational throughput is maintained despite the cell taking on additional responsibilities for self-healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional block is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to adapt its function based on the operational state of neighboring cells. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal computational throughput while providing self-healing functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional logic is used in the functional block, then ease of implementation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional block is implemented using reversible logic gates instead of conventional irreversible logic gates. This parameter change in the logic implementation reduces power dissipation by minimizing information loss and heat generation, while still achieving the required computational functions through the reconfigurable design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An embryonic cell (310) for a self-healing system architecture (300) is provided, including a first input (311) and a second input (312), at least one output (313), and at least one functional block (315) configurable to set the at least one output based on at least one of the first input and the second input using either one of a plurality of functions, wherein the cell is configurable to operate in a first state or a second state different from the first state, and: if operating in the first state: use the functional block to set the at least one output based on the first input using a first function of the plurality of functions during a time period, and if operating in the second state and by using time-division multiplexing: use the functional block to set the at least one output based on the first input using the first function during only a part of the time period, and set the at least one output based on the second input using a second function of the plurality of functions during another part of the time period, wherein the functional block is implemented using reversible logic. A self-healing system architecture using at least two such cells is also provided.