Error Detection Circuit Fault Injection Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for testing error detection circuits in automotive ECUs are costly and ineffective in detecting malfunctions during the operational life of the circuits, requiring additional equipment and being limited to post-manufacturing testing.
Innovation Solution
A system that injects faults into error detection circuits using a NOT gate, AND gate, and multiplexer to generate non-identical output signals, allowing the error detection circuit to detect errors and triggering an alert, which can be activated by the ECU during operation to identify faults in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing schemes using microcontrollers and robotic arm mechanisms are used, then fault injection and capture can be performed, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The error detection circuit performs self-testing by injecting faults into itself through the integrated logic gates (NOT gate, AND gate, and multiplexer) rather than requiring external testing equipment. The circuit monitors its own outputs and generates error signals when faults are detected, eliminating the need for costly microcontrollers and robotic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing functionality is merged directly into the error detection circuit by integrating the fault injection logic (NOT gate, AND gate, multiplexer) within the same circuit. This combination eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining fault detection capability.
2Reliability
If post-manufacturing testing is performed using additional testing equipment, then faults can be detected before shipping, but testing during operational life becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The error detection circuit continuously performs self-testing during operational life without requiring external testing equipment. The integrated fault injection mechanism allows the circuit to monitor itself in real-time, enabling fault detection during both manufacturing and operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The error detection circuit provides continuous fault detection capability throughout the entire operational life of the system. The testing function is not limited to post-manufacturing checks but operates continuously, ensuring faults are detected whenever they occur.
3Reliability
If redundant channel with processor core and bus is used for monitoring, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a full redundant processor core and bus system for monitoring, the invention implements error detection capability locally within the error detection circuit itself. The fault injection logic (NOT gate, AND gate, multiplexer) is integrated directly into the circuit being tested, providing localized monitoring without requiring complex redundant processing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing an error detection circuit includes a fault injection unit for operating the error detection circuit in a fault injection mode. A fault is inserted in either of a primary or a redundant processor. Output signals generated by the primary and redundant processors are compared and checked for a mismatch and the error detection circuit outputs a test signal based on the comparison result.