Dynamic reconfiguration under RTEMS for fault mitigation and functional adaptation in SRAM-based SoPCs for space systems

Abstract

This paper describes the integration of a scrubbing strategy and a dynamic reconfiguration mechanism within an FPGA-based heterogeneous System-on-chip, intended to be used as a reconfigurable processor for space applications. Scrubbing offers the possibility of detecting and correcting transient errors in the device configuration memory, while dynamic reconfiguration is used either to relocate modules from damaged to fault-free regions or to change the functionality of part of the device logic. Moreover, the RTEMS Real Time Operating System has been ported to the embedded processor in order to control the access to the reconfiguration memory as well as to deal with the periodic timing deadlines needed by each of these support and mission tasks. A reconfigurable image processing pipeline, that includes functionalities typically used in autonomous visual navigation systems, has been also integrated, as a proof of concept of the proposed platform.