An accurate Single Event Effect digital design flow for reliable system level design

Abstract

Similar to local variations and signal integrity problems, Single Event Effects (SEEs) are a new design concern for digital system design that arises in deep sub-micron technologies. In order to design reliable digital systems in such technologies, it is mandatory to precisely model and take into account SEEs. This paper proposes a new accurate design flow to model non-permanent SEE effects that can be applied at system level for reliable digital circuit design. Starting from low level SPICE-accurate simulations, SEEs are characterized, modeled and simulated in the digital design using commercial and well accepted standards and tools. The proposed design flow has been fully validated through a complete digital design, a cryptographic core implemented in a 32nm CMOS technology. Finally, using the SEE design flow, the paper presents some reliability impact analysis, both at standard cell level and design level.