On-line dependability enhancement of multiprocessor SoCs by resource management

• Published in: 2010 International Symposium on System on Chip pp. 103 - 110
• Main Authors: Ter Braak, T D, Burgess, S T, Hurskainen, H, Kerkhoff, H G, Vermeulen, B, Zhang, X
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-09-2010
• Subjects: Global Navigation Satellite Systems; IP networks; Resource management; Satellites; System-on-a-chip; Testing; Tiles
• ISBN: 1424482798; 9781424482795
• DOI: 10.1109/ISSOC.2010.5625564

This paper describes a new approach towards dependable design of homogeneous multi-processor SoCs in an example satellite-navigation application. First, the NoC dependability is functionally verified via embedded software. Then the Xentium processor tiles are periodically verified via on-line structural self-testing techniques, by using a new IIP Dependability Manager. Based on the Dependability Manager results, faulty tiles are electronically excluded and replaced by fault-free spare tiles via on-line resource management. This integrated approach enables fast electronic fault detection/diagnosis and repair, and hence a high system availability. The dependability application runs in parallel with the actual application, resulting in a very dependable system. All parts have been verified by simulation.