Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems

A New Architecture Extension for Mitigation of Permanent Functional Unit Faults Using Hot-Swapping Concepts

Authors:
Rákossy, Z. E. ,  Hiromoto, M. ,  Ochi, H. ,  Nakamura, Y.
Book Title:
15th Workshop on Synthesis And System Integration of Mixed Information technologies, Okinawa, Japan
Pages:
p.p. 177 - 182
Date:
2009
Language:
English
Abstract:
In this paper, we propose a new architecture extension suitable for arrays of functional units, that will provide testing and replacement of faulty units, without interrupting normal system operation. The extension relies on data-path switching controlled by a hot-swapping algorithm, by use of which functional units are tested and replaced by spares if necessary, ensuring permanent operation while the spares last. A case study is presented on a sample architecture. The Hot-Swapping functionality could be added with an overhead of 74-87% based on the granularity of the native array.
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