Methodology for Implementing Scalable Run-Time Reconfigurable Devices

The aim of this paper is to present the implementation methodology for an ASIC constituting the fine-grained array of dynamically reconfigurable processing elements. This methodology was developed during the work on a device which can operate as a typical Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with some bio-inspired features or as a multi-core Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) processor. Such high diversity of possible operating modes makes the design implementation extremely demanding. As a consequence, the comprehensive study and analysis of the different possible implementation techniques in this case allowed us to formulate a consistent and complete methodology that can be applied to other systems of similar structure

Capacitive MEMS accelerometer with open-loop switched-capacitor readout circuit

MEMS are one of the fastest developing branch in microelectronics. Many integrated sensors are widely used in smart devices i.e. smartphones, and specialized systems like medical equipment. In the paper we present the main parts of a system for measuring human movement which can be used in human balance disorder diagnosis. We describe our design of capacitive accelerometers and dedicated switched-capacitor readout circuit. Both will be manufactured as separate chips in different technological processes. The principle of operation, schematics and layouts of all parts of the system are presented. Preliminary simulations show that the proposed designs are applicable for the considered medical device