Improving reconfigurable systems reliability by combining periodical test and redundancy techniques: A case study

This paper revises and introduces to the field of reconfigurable computer s ystems, some traditional techniques used in the fields of fault-tolerance a nd testing of digital circuits. The target area is that of on-board spacecr aft electronics, as this class of application is a good candidate for the u se of reconfigurable computing technology. Fault tolerant strategies are us ed in order for the system to adapt itself to the severe conditions found i n space. In addition, the paper describes some problems and possible soluti ons for the use of reconfigurable components, based on programmable logic, in space applications.