Read-Modify-Write Circuit Self-Diagnosis Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing devices with read-modify-write circuits face reliability issues due to interference from multiple masters accessing memory, which can alter self-diagnosis results, degrading the reliability of the read-modify-write circuit.
Innovation Solution
A data processing device configuration that includes a memory, an arithmetic circuit, a first data storage unit, and a determination unit, where the read-modify-write circuit generates secondary data by modifying primary data from the arithmetic circuit and compares it with an expected value to diagnose failures, preventing interference from other masters during self-diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a read-modify-write circuit is disposed near the memory to reduce latency, then the speed of data processing is improved, but the reliability of self-diagnosis degrades due to interference from multiple masters accessing the memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory access operations by introducing a dedicated self-diagnosis mode that separates diagnostic accesses from normal master accesses. The read-modify-write circuit is configured to operate in either normal mode (responding to master accesses) or self-diagnosis mode (performing isolated diagnostic operations), thereby preventing interference between multiple masters and ensuring reliable self-diagnosis while maintaining high-speed data processing in normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control mechanism as an intermediary that manages access to the read-modify-write circuit during self-diagnosis. This control logic prevents other masters from accessing the circuit during diagnostic operations, acting as a mediator that coordinates between the need for high-speed normal operations and the requirement for reliable isolated self-diagnosis
2Reliability
If a self-diagnosis function is provided to the read-modify-write circuit, then the reliability of the data processing device is improved, but the self-diagnosis result may be altered by accesses from other masters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preemptively preventing other masters from accessing the read-modify-write circuit during self-diagnosis operations. The control mechanism detects when self-diagnosis is initiated and proactively blocks interfering accesses before they can alter the diagnosis results, thereby protecting the accuracy of measurements while maintaining the reliability benefits of the self-diagnosis function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the read-modify-write circuit for self-diagnosis by switching it to a dedicated diagnostic mode before actual diagnosis operations begin. This preliminary action configures the circuit to accept only diagnostic accesses and rejects all other master accesses, ensuring that the measurement precision of self-diagnosis results is maintained while the reliability of the device is improved through functional testing
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing device includes a memory, an arithmetic circuit that accesses the memory by outputting an access control signal CTRL that controls access to the memory, a first data storage unit that stores first data used when a self-diagnosis is performed, a read-modify-write circuit that generates second data by replacing a part of the first data stored in the first data storage unit with modify data outputted from the arithmetic circuit, and a determination unit that diagnoses a failure of the read-modify-write circuit by comparing the second data with an expected value.