Self-Verification Module for Programmable Integrated Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the functionality of programmable integrated circuits are costly and resource-intensive, particularly in industries like aviation, where custom test boards are required for each configuration, leading to high costs and time burdens due to the need for specific hardware testing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hardware verification module within the programmable integrated circuit that allows for self-testing by enabling tests to be applied and responses received internally, eliminating the need for external custom test boards and reducing resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom testing hardware is used for each configuration of programmable integrated circuit, then functional verification accuracy is improved, but cost and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable integrated circuit performs self-verification by using its own internal resources to execute verification logic and compare results, eliminating the need for external custom test hardware. The device tests itself by applying test inputs, capturing outputs, and comparing against expected results internally.
Solution Approach 2:
A single programmable integrated circuit design can be verified across multiple configurations using the same internal verification infrastructure. The verification module works universally for different circuit configurations without requiring separate custom test boards for each configuration.
2Reliability
If custom test boards are designed for each configuration, then verification compliance with safety standards is achieved, but time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification module is built into the programmable integrated circuit design itself, so verification capabilities are prepared in advance during the design phase rather than requiring separate test board design and manufacturing later. This preliminary incorporation of verification functionality eliminates delays associated with custom test hardware development.
3Measurement precision
If multiple custom test boards are manufactured for different configurations, then verification coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate physical test boards for each configuration, the verification logic is copied into the programmable integrated circuit's memory or configuration space. The same verification module can be instantiated multiple times across different device configurations without requiring separate physical hardware copies.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and technology are provided to enable the testing of a programmable integrated circuit from within the programmable integrated circuit itself. In various implementations of the invention, a hardware verification module is added to the programmable integrated circuit by the manufacturer. Once the programmable integrated circuit is programmed to have a desired functionality, the hardware verification module may be activated and used to apply tests and receive responses from the programmable integrated circuit to verify its functionality.