Built-In Self-Test of Embedded SEU Detection Cores in Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 FPGAs

A Built-In Self-Test (BIST) approach is presented for the Internal Configuration Access Port (ICAP) and Frame Error Correcting Code (ECC) logic cores embedded in Xilinx Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The Frame ECC logic facilitates the detection of Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in the FPGA configuration memory. The ICAP provides read and write access to the configuration memory from within the FPGA fabric, enabling embedded dynamic reconfiguration and fault-tolerant applications with memory scrubbing. Therefore, the fault-free operation of the ICAP and Frame ECC logic is critical for space and fault-tolerant applications that require detection and repair of SEUs. The BIST approach presented is applicable to all Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 FPGAs for both manufacturing and system-level testing of the ICAP and Frame ECC logic. The actual implementation of the BIST approach in Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 FPGAs and associated experimental results are discussed. 1