Evolution of analog circuits on a programmable analog multiplexer array

Abstract

This paper describes a reconfigurable platform for exploring the intrinsic evolution of analog hardware. The reconfigurable platform consists of integrated circuits whose internal connections can be programmed by the user. Automatic reconfiguration may potentially be driven by Evolutionary Computation techniques such as Genetic Algorithms to synthesize complex circuits. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs) constitute the state of the art in the technology of reconfigurable chips, referring to digital and analog devices respectively. These devices will become the building blocks of a forthcoming class of hardware, that will encompass important features of self-adaptation and self-repairing through automatic reconfiguration. These are essential features for systems that need to perform for a long time in harsh environments such as those employed in space exploration missions. In this paper, the reconfigurable platform architectural details, concept and some preliminary tests are presented.