Analysis of Turbo Decoder Robustness Against SEU Effects

Wireless communications were clearly enhanced since 90's thanks to Turbo Codes. The use of these codes in satellites and deep-space exploration could be ruined if radiation effects exceed their correction capability. SEU sensitivity of a Turbo Decoder intended for space applications has been analyzed in detail, injecting millions of faults by means of an Autonomous Emulation System. Specifically, around 34.5 million faults per test in a sweep for four different parameters have been injected. This analysis provides accurate information about the most sensitive parts in the circuit in order to perform a selective hardening of the circuit. Results points out that hardening just the 9% of the circuit flip-flops reduces the failure rate induced by SEUs in 56%.