Modeling single-event transients in complex digital systems
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Authors
Clark, Kenneth A.
Subjects
Advisors
Loomis, Herschel H.
Ross, Alan A.
Date of Issue
2002-06
Date
June 2002
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
A methodology to determine the effect of single-event transients (SETs) on complex digital systems has been developed. This methodology is based on the SET-state-transition model. This model breaks the complex digital system down into five states. These states are the error-free/transient-free state, the logic-gate-transient state, the single -event-upset (SEU) state, the output-driver transient state, and the failure state. The state -transitional probabilities of the model are determined by SET generation modeling, SET propagation modeling, and SEU propagation modeling. SET generation and propagation are primarily modeled using SPICE. SEU propagation modeling is accomplished using a combination of VHDL fault-injection modeling and mode-dependent (or instruction-based for a processor) register-usage analysis. To verify this methodology, the SET tolerance of a 16-bit RISC microprocessor, the KDLX, was predicted. The transitional probabilities for this processor were determined, and the effective crosssection of the processor for three different test programs was predicted. Laser testing was performed on the KDLX to validate the predicted transitional probabilities. Heavy-ion testing was performed to validate system-level predictions. The results from the heavy-ion testing show that the methodology accurately predicts the saturated effective cross-section of a complex digital system.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 163 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.