Implementation of an initial-configuration based on self-reconfiguration for an on-board processor

Modern flexible space applications are based on an on-board processor in order to increase the overall system performance. Additionally, FPGA-based systems provide the advantage of reconfiguration during the satellite mission. The Fraunhofer On-Board Processor realizes a multi-FPGA platform for communication with four Virtex-5QV FPGAs. For this platform a high system reliability and an avoidance of single points of failure are required. In order to meet these requirements a new FPGA reconfiguration concept is necessary to guarantee a fail-safe reconfiguration. The focus of this paper is the implementation of the FPGA design which is based on an initial-configuration system and self-reconfiguration of the FPGAs. For this implementation the hardware platform of the Elegant Bread Board is used. The initial-configuration method is used in parallel with a regular one and results in an increase for the system reliability.