Dependable Design Using Programmable Logic Devices

Mission critical systems at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) make extensive use of Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to implement their safety critical functions. The dependability of these safety critical functions is difficult to determine using traditional techniques. A robust approach is needed if PLD technology is to be accepted in mission critical systems. This paper discusses techniques which are being developed and employed by CERN to give confidence in the use of PLDs in mission critical systems, the Safe Machine Parameter system development is used as an example