Software Lockstep Data Processing Network With Comparator Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard microcontrollers used in driver assistance and automated driving systems lack sufficient computing power to meet safety requirements, particularly for high-performance applications, and existing hardware lockstep approaches are inefficient due to increased latency and hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A software lockstep approach using two separate data processing modules with high computing power and a comparator module on additional ASIL-D compliant hardware, allowing for synchronized control parameters to ensure reliable data processing without the need for redundant hardware execution, thereby achieving efficient processing and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard microcontrollers are used to meet safety requirements, then reliability is improved, but processing power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent data processing modules (first data processing module, second data processing module) that each perform the same data processing steps independently. This segmentation allows high-performance processing while maintaining safety through redundancy and comparison of results.
2Reliability
If hardware lockstep approaches are used to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but latency increases and hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A comparator module is introduced as an intermediary that receives control parameters from multiple data processing modules and determines whether they agree. This mediator enables safety validation without requiring full hardware lockstep duplication, reducing latency while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If high-performance processors are used to increase processing power, then productivity is improved, but compliance with safety standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the comparator module that continuously monitors control parameters from multiple high-performance data processing modules. When parameters agree within expected ranges, the system confirms safe operation, enabling use of high-performance processors while maintaining safety compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing network for the redundant and validated carrying out of successive data processing steps, each used to generate output data from input data. Output data of a first data processing step are at least partially simultaneously input data of a further data processing step. At least a first and a second data processing module carry out each data processing step. The data processing network further comprising a comparator module. The first data processing modules and the second data processing modules transmit control parameters of the individual data processing steps to the comparator module. The comparator module compares corresponding control parameters that were transmitted by the first and second data processing modules. Based on this comparison, the comparator module provides at least one synchronized control parameter that contains an item of control information relating to at least one data processing step that has been carried out.