Recursive Layer Analysis for Functional Safety Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ICs face challenges in achieving stringent functional safety levels, such as ASIL-D, due to their complex nature with millions of transistors and generic design, making it difficult to ensure effective diagnostic coverage across all layers, especially in safety-critical automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A recursive system layer analysis method that automates the process of achieving target diagnostic coverage by sequentially analyzing each layer from the bottom (IP layer) to the top (system layer), identifying and implementing additional safety mechanisms as needed, and applying system context to constrain the scope of analysis, thereby addressing residual faults and improving diagnostic coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current ICs with millions of transistors are used, then functional complexity increases, but achieving effective diagnostic coverage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex IC design into multiple hierarchical layers (system layer, software layer, IP layer, semiconductor layer) and applies recursive analysis to each layer independently. This segmentation allows diagnostic coverage to be achieved systematically at each layer rather than attempting to analyze the entire complex system at once, resolving the contradiction between functional complexity and diagnostic coverage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary diagnostic actions at lower layers (semiconductor and IP layers) before proceeding to higher layers. By performing diagnostic coverage analysis early in the design process at foundational layers, the system establishes a basis for achieving overall diagnostic coverage in the final complex system, addressing the difficulty of ensuring effective diagnostics in highly complex ICs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic or out-of-context IPs and software are used, then design versatility improves, but achieving target diagnostic coverage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal recursive diagnostic analysis framework that can be applied across multiple layers and different types of components (IPs, software, hardware). This universal approach allows generic and out-of-context components to be systematically analyzed for diagnostic coverage regardless of their specific origin or context, enabling design versatility while maintaining diagnostic coverage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where diagnostic coverage results from lower layers inform the analysis at higher layers. This feedback loop allows the system to iteratively improve diagnostic coverage by using information from previously analyzed layers, enabling generic components to meet diagnostic requirements through systematic refinement rather than requiring context-specific customization.
3Reliability
If comprehensive diagnostic coverage is required at all layers, then functional safety improves, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive diagnostic analysis into manageable hierarchical layers, allowing functional safety to be achieved systematically at each layer rather than requiring simultaneous analysis of the entire system. This segmentation reduces development time by enabling parallel processing and incremental verification across layers while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial diagnostic analysis at each layer, focusing on critical areas that contribute most to overall functional safety. By implementing diagnostic coverage at the necessary level at each hierarchical layer rather than exhaustive analysis everywhere, the system achieves adequate functional safety with reduced development time and resource requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for achieving functional safety compliance using a recursive system layer analysis. A functional safety system uses a recursive method to sequentially analyze each layer of a target environment from a bottom layer (e.g., IP layer) to a top layer (e.g., system layer). If a target diagnostic coverage level is not achieved at a given layer, the functional safety system attempts to achieve the target diagnostic coverage level at the next layer based on the residual faults from the lower layer. At the top layer, the functional safety system may apply the context of the target environment to reduce the scope of the coverage analysis based on the given application. The functional safety system may also use the context of the target environment to the reanalyze the lower layers as needed.