Multicore Processor State Abnormality Detection via Shared Checker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual core lockstep systems for microcomputers with multiple DSP cores increase hardware and power consumption, and require cores to be separated for checking, preventing continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A multicore system with a single checker processor and a selector that compares external and internal states of multiple processors using a comparator, allowing continuous operation without hardware or power consumption increases, and enabling frequent reliability checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual core lockstep is adopted to each dedicated core to check the dedicated cores in operation, then reliability is improved, but hardware amount and power consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the checking function into a single shared checker processor that serves multiple dedicated cores, rather than providing separate checker cores for each dedicated core. This consolidation reduces the overall hardware amount while maintaining the reliability benefits of continuous checking during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The checker processor is designed as a universal checking unit that can check multiple different dedicated cores sequentially or concurrently. This multi-functional approach allows one checker processor to replace what would otherwise require multiple dedicated checker cores, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Reliability
If dual core lockstep is adopted to each dedicated core to check the dedicated cores in operation, then reliability is improved, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the checking function into a single shared checker processor, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to having separate checker cores for each dedicated core. The single checker processor consumes less power collectively than multiple distributed checker cores would consume individually.
3Measurement precision
If the checking target core is separated from practical operation for self-check, then checking accuracy is improved, but continuous operation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous checking of dedicated cores during their normal operation without requiring separation or suspension of their useful work. The checker processor continuously monitors the dedicated cores as they execute their practical processing tasks, maintaining both productivity and checking accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The checker processor acts as an intermediary that can access and check the internal states of dedicated cores without interfering with their normal operation. This mediator approach allows checking to occur concurrently with practical processing, maintaining continuity of useful action while achieving accurate checking through state comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A multicore system according to one or more embodiments is disclosed, which may include processors that execute processing different from each other, a selector that selects one of the processors, a checker processor, a comparator that compares an external state of the processor selected by the selector with an external state of the checker processor, or compares an internal state of the processor selected by the selector with an internal state of the checker processor, and a controller that determines that the selected processor or the checker processor is abnormal in response to the external states or the internal states not matching each other based on comparison results obtained by the comparator.