The SEM IP core has a small programmable logic footprint, but activates the programmable logic configuration memory system. The configuration memory system works much like a conventional SRAM, except that it is physically distributed throughout the programmable logic array. Just like all other digital switching activity in the device, activity in the configuration memory system generates power noise.
In all device families supported by the SEM IP core, the power noise contribution from the configuration memory system is minor, provided all implementation requirements and design guidance is observed.
RECOMMENDED: AMD strongly recommends system designers integrating the SEM IP core to use the current version and to keep current with the SEM IP core design advisories and known issues through Answer Records for Soft Error Mitigation IP Solutions .
Integrate the SEM IP core as early as possible, ideally at the start of the project. Because the SEM IP core can automatically initialize, the first pass integration of this core can be as simple as instantiating it, connecting a clock, and adding tie-offs to other input ports. As part of this early infrastructure, AMD recommends implementing the SEM IP core provisioning controls to allow the system to enable/disable the SEM IP core clock and enable/disable the SEM IP core ICAP grant. System provisioning of the SEM IP core provides deployment flexibility and also facilitates debug of the SEM IP core integration.
At a later point, the integration can be expanded through definition and implementation of an interface for command/status exchange between the system and the SEM IP core. The preferred method for this uses ASCII communication over the SEM IP core Monitor Interface, either with the UART helper block for a serial connection, or without the UART helper block for a parallel connection using communication FIFOs.
Although the status exchange alone is adequate for the system to log and parse events reported by the SEM IP core, the command exchange is critical to support error injection. Without error injection, there is no practical way to completely test the integration of the SEM IP core and the system response to the SEM IP core event reports, outside of an accelerated particle test at a radiation effects facility. Error injection can also be useful for a minor aspect of continual validation.