Multi-Architecture Fault-Tolerant Approach for In-Mission Constraint & Requirement Variability

Abstract

This paper studies an FPGA-based system and shows how to switch (during runtime) between different architectures when the system is subjected to varying requirements (such as area, performance, reliability, fault security). A generic combinational module is at the center of this work. Several implementations of this combinational function must be available on chip or downloadable using Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration (DPR). A switching criterion is proposed to decide on the most suitable architecture at any point in time during system operation. Two designs are then proposed to enable the switching process. Parts of the design are implemented on Altera Cyclone IV FPGA.