Joint Error Correction Coding for Dual-Channel Data Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining data from two channels into a combined data frame for error correction in functional safety applications are inefficient, as they either result in excessive data usage or lack diagnostic coverage for hardware failures in error code generation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using linear codes to generate a joint error correction code for a combined data frame, where each data channel has its own error code generator, allowing for interdependency in error code generation and increased diagnostic coverage without excessive data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent error code generators are used for each data channel with separate error correction codes, then diagnostic coverage for hardware failures is improved, but the amount of data transmitted increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines error correction codes from multiple data channels into a single joint error correction code. Instead of transmitting separate error correction codes for each channel, the method merges them into one compact representation that provides equivalent or enhanced diagnostic coverage while reducing overall data transmission volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint error correction code serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides error detection for both data channels, enables diagnostic coverage for hardware failures in error code generators, and reduces transmission overhead. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate error correction mechanisms for each channel.
2Device complexity
If a single combined data frame is used for joint transmission, then wiring complexity and pin requirements are reduced, but the ability to diagnose hardware failures in error code generation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The joint error correction code incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the receiving end to diagnose hardware failures in error code generators. By designing the code structure to include specific diagnostic indicators, the system can detect and report failures in the error code generation process itself, maintaining reliability while using a single communication interface.
3Productivity
If data from multiple channels is multiplexed before error code generation, then processing efficiency is improved, but control over individual error code generators is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error code generation process into distinct stages for each data channel, allowing independent control and processing of error correction codes before their combination. This segmentation enables maintaining control over individual error code generators while still achieving processing efficiency through subsequent merging of the generated codes.
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).