Reconfiguring processor arrays using multiple-track models: the 3-track-1-spare-approach

Present new results on systematic procedures for reconfiguring processor arrays in the presence of faulty processors. In particular, the authors consider models that use multiple tracks along every channel and a single spare row (or column) of processing elements (PEs) along each boundary of the array. In the presence of faulty PEs the general methodology for reconfiguration involves replacing every faulty PE logically (rather than physically) by a spare PE through a sequence of logical substitutions; these sequences of substitutions are referred to as compensation paths. The authors show that if there exists a set of compensation paths subjected only to the constraints of continuity and nonintersection, then routing channels with three tracks are enough for the reconfiguration of the array. They refer to the underlying model as a S-track-l-spare model; this is done to distinguish it from other models that not only use multiple tracks but also multiple spare rows (or columns) along each boundary. An efficient algorithm for reconfiguration in our 3-track-1-spare model is presented and its performance evaluated. Experimental results show that the 3-track-1-spare model has much higher reconfiguration probability than other models that use considerably more spare processors.<
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