Applicability of field programmable gate arrays in instrumentation and control systems in nuclear power plants

Abstract

This study has focused on the analysis of the applicability and suitability of FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) for instrumentation and control systems of nuclear power plants, both new builds and upgrade projects of existing plants, mainly on its use for safety systems. For this purpose three research activities has been performed: search and study of specialized bibliography on this matter and its application in high tech industries, attendance to international congresses regarding instrumentation and control in nuclear power plants and interviews with leaders and pioneers of the nuclear sector in the development of this type of products and their application. Based on the previous work, a guideline with all key points for the development of instrumentation and control systems using FPGAs has been carried out, and the results have been used for issuing a design specification for a specific system: a diesel load sequencer.