Restructurable VLSI Program
Abstract
The objective of the Restructurable Very Large Scale Integration (RVLSI) Program is to develop and demonstrate techniques which will make possible integration of large systems as single-package modules. We are developing techniques for restructuring large-area IC chips after fabrication in order to provide access for testing, perform defect avoidance and customization, and reconfigure a system while it is being used. The DARPA-sponsored program is focused on development or architectural concepts for data- and signal-processing systems for RVLSI implementation, development of design aids for unique RVLSI design problems, and development of test techniques suitable for RVLSI applications. An overview of the goals and proposed techniques is given in Sec. II. In Sec. III the functional requirements on programmable connections or links are presented and three types of links are described and compared. In the near term the emphasis will be on laser programmed links and links made from standard logic circuitry; a longer-term goal is development of an electrically programmable nonvolatile link. In Sec. IV we describe a hardware description language designed for efficient description of hierarchical and iterative structures of digital circuits. Since each RVLSI chip may have a different wiring configuration, complete automation of the signal routing process is essential. Solutions for this problem are presented in Sec. IV. Results of an investigation of mapping a regular locally connected array of processing elements onto a physical array with defective elements are presented in Sec. V. An integrator for a spread-spectrum packet radio receiver has been chosen for a first implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA096075
Entities
People
- Allan H. Anderson
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology