Redundant Processor Synchronization Using Decrementer Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redundant fault-tolerant computing systems rely on custom hardware, increasing costs and complexity, making them less suitable for cost-sensitive industries like banking and aviation/space travel due to high ownership costs and size/weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing redundant fault-tolerant computing using non-custom, off-the-shelf components with a decrementer register for synchronization and redundancy management services within a commercial off-the-shelf real-time operating system, employing soft-coded tables for scheduling and parameter assignment across general-purpose processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom hardware is used for redundant fault tolerant computing, then reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple copies of general-purpose processors instead of custom hardware designs. Each processor is an identical copy running the same application, and fault tolerance is achieved by comparing outputs from these copies rather than using specialized fault-tolerant hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs universal general-purpose processors that can perform multiple functions, replacing specialized custom hardware. These processors can run different applications and be used in various computing scenarios, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through software-based redundancy management.
2Reliability
If custom hardware is used for redundant fault tolerant computing, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses commercially available, off-the-shelf general-purpose processors that are inexpensive and readily replaceable, replacing expensive custom hardware. The redundancy management software handles failures by switching to backup processors, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If custom hardware is used for redundant fault tolerant computing, then reliability is improved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based copying of processing logic across multiple general-purpose processors instead of duplicating heavy custom hardware circuits. The redundancy is achieved through virtualization and software coordination, significantly reducing the physical footprint and weight of the fault-tolerant system.
4Reliability
If custom hardware is used for redundant fault tolerant computing, then reliability is improved, but ease of modification and upgrade decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic redundancy management through software, allowing the system to adapt and reconfigure in real-time. The redundancy management service can dynamically allocate resources, switch between processors, and modify fault tolerance parameters without requiring hardware changes, enabling easy modification and upgrades while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for redundancy management in fault tolerant computing are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to enabling the use of non-custom, off-the-shelf components and tools to provide redundant fault tolerant computing. The various embodiments described herein, generally speaking, use a decrementer register in a general purpose processor for synchronizing identical operations across redundant general purpose processors, execute redundancy management services in the kernels of commercial off-the-shelf real-time operating systems (RTOS) running on the general purpose processors, and use soft coded tables to schedule operations and assign redundancy management parameters across the general purpose processors.