Dynamic Voting Schemes to Enhance Evolutionary Repair in Reconfigurable Logic Devices

Abstract

The area of fault-handling in reconfigurable logic devices is one that continues to receive research attention in the field of engineering. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are reconfigurable logic devices that have become an essential element in electronic hardware used for space applications, for instance deep space satellites. When electronic devices such as FPGAs are launched into space, they are relentlessly exposed to fault-inducing hazards such as high levels of radiation and extreme temperatures. The ability of the device to maintain and correct its functionality while experiencing these harsh conditions is vital to a successful mission by today's technological standards. Many techniques have been proposed for the purpose of detecting and repairing hardware faults that occur in reconfigurable logic devices. The implementation of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) as the means of repairing a faulty component has become a popular method among such techniques. A great deal of success has been demonstrated by the use of GAs in fault-repair, but there is room for improvement in the completeness of a given repair. This thesis addresses this issue by exploring the possible outcomes of implementing a voting system to work in parallel with a particular GA.

Throughout the first two chapters, a general overview ofFPGAs and faulthandling techniques is provided. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are mentioned to help re-emphasize the main purpose for the research being conducted. Once a solid background has been established regarding the main ideas behind this work, the thesis presents an in-depth description of the problem and the experimental approach that is taken.

The work involves experiments which are run using a simulated FPGA that is coded in C++. A genetic algorithm is included in the program in order to simulate the repair process. By varying the parameters of the GA, as well as experimenting with the addition of a voting scheme to enhance the performance, meaningful results are discovered and presented. Fault-handling techniques proposed in the future will have a better idea of whether or not it would be beneficial to include a voting scheme to improve success.

Notes

This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your thesis or dissertation, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by downloading and filling out the Internet Distribution Consent Agreement. You may also contact the project coordinator Kerri Bottorff for more information.

Thesis Completion

2005

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Demara, Ronald

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Degree Program

Computer Engineering

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Engineering; Engineering -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021960

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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