A programmable analogue and digital array for bio-inspired electronic design optimization at nano-scale silicon technology nodes

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are widely used in applications where on-line reconfigurable signal processing is required. Speed and function density of FPGAs are increasing when shrinking transistor sizes to the nano-scale. Unfortunately, in order to reliably create electronic designs according to specification time-consuming statistical simulations become necessary due to effects of intrinsic variability. This paper describes an adaptive, evolvable architecture that allows for correction and optimisation of circuits directly in hardware using bio-inspired techniques. Like FPGAs, the programmable analogue and digital array (PAnDA) architecture introduced provides a digital configuration layer for circuit design. Accessing additional configuration options of the underlying analogue layer enables continuous adjustment of circuit characteristics.