Fast error aware model for arithmetic and logic circuits

Abstract

As a result of supply voltage reduction and process variations effects, the error free margin for dynamic voltage scaling has been drastically reduced. This paper presents an error aware model for arithmetic and logic circuits that accurately and rapidly estimates the propagation delays of the output bits in a digital block operating under voltage scaling to identify circuit-level failures (timing violations) within the block. Consequently, these failure models are then used to examine how circuit-level failures affect system-level reliability. A case study consisting of a CORDIC DSP unit employing the proposed model provides tradeoffs between power, performance and reliability.