Derating concerns for microprocessors used in safety-critical applications

Author

Forsberg, Håkan ; Manefjord, T.

Author_Institution

Saab Avitronics, Jonkoping, Sweden

Volume

24

Issue

3

fYear

2009

fDate

3/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

35

Lastpage

40

Abstract

The use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) microprocessors for safety-critical applications usually implies derating of the device to make it work in harsh environments. We discuss derating concerns for state-of-the-art microprocessors. Issues addressed herein include noise margins due to low voltage levels, multiple power supplies, frequency and current derating concerns, error sources, timing degradation, power-aware architectures, and new advanced microprocessor derating features.

Keywords

integrated circuit reliability; low-power electronics; microprocessor chips; COTS microprocessors; advanced microprocessor derating features; commercial-off-the-shelf; current derating; error sources; frequency derating; low voltage levels; noise margins; power-aware architectures; safety-critical applications; timing degradation; Aerospace electronics; Defense industry; Degradation; Electronic equipment; Frequency; Guidelines; Microprocessors; Military equipment; Robustness; Temperature;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0885-8985

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MAES.2009.4811087

Filename

4811087