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Implementation of a configurable fault tolerant processor (CFTP)

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / The space environment has unique hazards that force electronic systems designers to use different techniques to build their systems. Radiation can cause Single Event Upsets (SEUs) which can cause state changes in satellite systems. Mitigation techniques have been developed to either prevent or recover from these upsets when they occur. At the same time, modifying on-orbit systems is difficult in a hardwired electronic system. Finding an alternative to either working around a mistake or having to keep the same generation of technology for years is important to the space community. Newer programmable logic devices such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) allow for emulation of complex logic circuits, such as microprocessors. FPGAs can be repro-grammed as necessary, to account for errors in design, or upgrades in software logic circuits. In an effort to provide one solution for both of these issues, this research was undertaken. The Configurable Fault Tolerant Processor (CFTP) emulates three identical processors, using Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) to mitigate SEUs on a radiation tolerant FPGA. With the reconfigurable capabilities of FPGA technology, as newer processors can be emulated, these new configurations can be uploaded to the satellite as software code, thereby actually upgrading the processor in flight. This research used a 16-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor as its cores. This thesis describes how the Harvard architecture of the processor is interfaced with the Von Neumann architecture of the memory. It also develops the process by which errors are detected and corrected, as well as recorded. The end result is a design simulation ready for implementation on an FPGA. / Lieutenant, United States Navy

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/1101
Date03 1900
CreatorsJohnson, Steven A.
ContributorsLoomis, Herschel H., Ross, Alan A., Electrical Engineering
PublisherMonterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Source SetsNaval Postgraduate School
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatxviii, 119 p. : ill. (some col.) ;, application/pdf
RightsThis publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States Code, Section 105, may not be copyrighted.

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