Microprocessor Memory Read Data Check Circuit Preventing Wrong Instruction Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data processing systems, microprocessors often execute wrong instructions due to errors caused by voltage fluctuations and other conditions, leading to potential fatal failures as critical data can be erased from memory.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system and method that includes a memory with separate regions for instruction and dummy data, where the microprocessor accesses both and uses a read data check circuit to compare the dummy data with hardwired data to verify the integrity of the instruction data, reducing the chance of executing incorrect instructions by cross-checking the data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microprocessor reads instruction data directly from memory without verification, then the data processing speed is fast, but the reliability of instruction execution deteriorates due to voltage fluctuations and memory errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing predetermined dummy data in the memory alongside instruction data before operation. This dummy data serves as a reference for subsequent verification of instruction data integrity, allowing the system to detect errors before they cause fatal failures while maintaining a relatively simple architecture.
2Reliability
If a comparison stage is added to verify instruction data integrity, then the reliability of instruction execution is improved, but the data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy data is prepared in advance and stored in memory alongside the instruction data. During instruction execution, the microprocessor simply compares the fetched instruction data with the corresponding dummy data, which is a lightweight operation that does not significantly impact processing time while effectively ensuring data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
In the disclosure, a data processing system includes a microprocessor and a memory. The integrity of data read from a memory by a microprocessor may be checked. When an instruction address is transmitted from the microprocessor to the memory for reading the instruction data corresponding to the instruction address, predetermined dummy data is also read from the memory while the instruction data is read. The integrity of the instruction data may be check by comparing the predetermined dummy data to a hardwire data that is not stored in the memory. If the dummy data matches the hardwire data, the instruction data read from the memory is determined to be correct.