Joint Error Correction Coding for Dual-Channel Diagnostic Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining data from two channels into a joint error correction code for transmission are inefficient and lack diagnostic coverage, particularly in functional safety applications, as they either result in excessive data overhead or fail to detect hardware failures in error code generators.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using linear codes to interdependently generate a joint error correction code from both data channels, allowing for diagnostic coverage of both error code generators and maintaining moderate data transmission levels, by combining information from independent error code generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent error correction codes are used for each data channel, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but data overhead increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent error correction codes into a single joint error correction code that protects both data channels simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the diagnostic coverage of independent codes while reducing the total amount of redundancy bits needed for transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint error correction code serves multiple functions: it provides error detection for both data channels, enables diagnostic coverage of the error correction logic itself, and reduces overall data overhead. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate independent codes.
2Quantity of substance
If a single joint error correction code is used for combined data, then data overhead is reduced, but diagnostic coverage of error code generators is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the joint error correction code is processed through the same error correction logic that generated it. This allows the system to detect failures in the error correction generators by checking whether the logic correctly processes its own generated codes, thereby maintaining diagnostic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The error correction logic performs self-diagnosis by using the joint error correction code to verify its own operation. The system checks whether the error correction logic can correctly detect and correct errors in the joint code, enabling it to identify its own failures without external assistance.
3Device complexity
If data is multiplexed before error code generation, then processing is simplified, but control over joint error code generation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error correction process into distinct stages: first generating independent error correction codes for each data channel, then combining these codes into a joint error correction code. This segmentation maintains control over the generation process while managing complexity through structured processing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for providing an joint error correction code (140) for a combined data frame (254) comprising first data (112) of a first data channel and second data (122) of a second data channel comprises a first error code generator (110) configured to provide, based on a linear code, information on a first error correction code (114a, 114b) using the first data (112). The apparatus further comprises a second error code generator (120) configured to provide, based on the linear code, information on a second error correction code (124) using the second data (122). The apparatus is configured to provide the joint error correction code (140) using the information on the first error correction code (114a, 114b) and the information on the second error correction code (124).