Radiation Hardened Microprocessor Volume I.
Abstract
Functional capabilities of a CMOS/SOS LSI device family for emulation usage were assessed. The device family consists of an 8-bit processor bit slice called the general processor unit (GPU), a 1024-bit read only memory (ROM) and a Gate Universal Array (GUA) device with approximately 300 gates. The devices were analyzed in detail and deficiencies in their designs are itemized. Recommendations for changes are made to improve the emulation capabilities of the device family. Radiation hardening characteristics of the GPU, ROM and GUA are assessed in relation to their usage in emulating existing microcomputers and mini-computers. A complete functional specification is provided for the GPU. During this effort, the GPU design was verified utilizing low cost, functional testing techniques developed specially for LSI design validation. The key to low cost, functional testing is the automatic generation of test vectors. Several faults, detected in the GPU, are itemized in the report. A top level throughput characterization was also performed on the GPU. To the emulation capabilities of the devices, a design of an 8080 microprocessor emulator, using the CMOS/SOS device family, was completed. Hardware and firmware requirements for the emulator are determined to measure emulation efficiency and a throughput comparison is made between the emulator and the actual 8080.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA063003
Entities
People
- P. A. Rosenberg
- V. V. Nickel