Parallel Data Processing Modules with Physical Separation for Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing systems face challenges in balancing speed and accuracy, with methods to increase accuracy often requiring additional processing steps that decrease speed or increase costs, and radiation-induced errors being difficult to detect and correct.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system with two data processing modules and corresponding checking modules on physically separate devices, which perform the same processing steps and compare outputs to detect errors, thereby introducing redundancy for error detection without significant speed or cost overhead, and reducing the likelihood of radiation-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three or more circuits are used in parallel for redundancy, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two copies of the data processing module and two copies of the checking module to perform parallel processing. This provides redundancy for error detection while being more resource-efficient than using three or more circuits, as two copies are sufficient to detect single-bit errors through comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the checking function into separate checking modules that are physically separated from the data processing modules. This separation allows the checking logic to be independent and reduces the complexity of the main data processing path, as the checking can occur in parallel without interfering with the primary computation.
2Reliability
If error correction codes are used, then accuracy is improved, but data processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs error detection in parallel with the data processing by using separate checking modules that operate simultaneously with the data processing modules. This preliminary and concurrent checking eliminates the need for sequential error correction steps, maintaining high data processing speed while ensuring accuracy.
3Device complexity
If checking modules are located on the same device, then device complexity is reduced, but radiation-induced errors may go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into physically separate data processing modules and checking modules located on different devices. This physical separation ensures that radiation-induced errors affecting one device will not simultaneously affect the other, providing robust error detection capability while managing complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A high speed data processing system is described comprising first and second data processing modules and first and second data checking modules. The first and second data processing modules are each arranged to perform substantially the same processing steps on data received at said data input, with each providing an output. The first and second checking modules are arranged to compare the outputs of said first and second data processing modules and to output an error signal indicative of whether or not said first and second data processing modules have performed substantially the same processing steps. The first and second checking modules are located on physically separate devices. In some arrangements a third checking module is provided, which checking module may be physically separated from each of said first and second checking modules.