A lifetime-aware mapping algorithm to extend MTTF of Networks-on-Chip

Fast aging of components has become one of the major concerns in Systems-on-Chip with further scaling of the submicron technology. This problem accelerates when combined with improper working conditions such as unbalanced components' utilization. Considering the mapping algorithms in the Networks-on-Chip domain, some routers/links might be frequently selected for mapping while others are underutilized. Consequently, the highly utilized components may age faster than others which results in disconnecting the related cores from the network. To address this issue, we propose a mapping algorithm, called lifetime-aware neighborhood allocation (LaNA), that takes the aging of components into account when mapping applications. The proposed method is able to balance the wear-out of NoC components, and thus extending the service time of NoC. We model the lifetime as a resource consumed over time and accordingly define the lifetime budget metric. LaNA selects a suitable node for mapping which has the maximum lifetime budget. Experimental results show that the lifetime-aware mapping algorithm could improve the minimal MTTF of NoC around 72.2%, 58.3%, 46.6% and 48.2% as compared to NN, CoNA, WeNA and CASqA, respectively.