Triplicated Register Self-Test for Majority Vote Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triplication register systems for protecting electronic registers on aircraft from high-altitude radiation do not have comprehensive testing capabilities to verify the proper functioning of writing and self-correction mechanisms without read access to each register, which is necessary for ensuring the reliability and safety of avionic systems.
Innovation Solution
A triplication register device with a test control register that allows independent inhibition of functional writing and self-correction in each of the three registers, enabling testing of the majority voting system without read access, using a control register with four control bits to manage these functions and a set of secondary majority voting devices for comprehensive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triplication with majority voting is implemented to protect registers from radiation-induced errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the protection mechanism into three independent register instances (REG1, REG2, REG3), each handling specific bits of the data. This segmentation allows the majority voting mechanism to operate on discrete groups of bits, improving reliability through redundancy while managing complexity by dividing the protection function into manageable segments rather than requiring complete tripling of all logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the testing function with the existing triplication structure by using the same three registers for both data storage and test operations. The control register and multiplexers are shared between functional operation and self-test modes, eliminating the need for separate test hardware and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If reading access is provided to each register for testing purposes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control register as an intermediary that manages test operations without requiring direct read access to the data registers. The control register stores test patterns and coordinates the testing sequence, while a dedicated test output signal provides the test results. This intermediary structure enables comprehensive testing while avoiding the complexity of adding read ports to each data register.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-testing through built-in test modes that use the existing triplication structure. By inhibiting functional writing and enabling self-correction mode, the system can autonomously test its error detection and correction capabilities without external intervention or complex test equipment, achieving measurement precision through self-diagnosis.
3Productivity
If functional writing is continuously enabled in all three registers, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential writing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between functional writing mode and self-test mode through control signals. During normal operation, all three registers accept functional writes for maximum productivity. When testing is required, the system transitions to self-test mode where writing is inhibited and self-correction is enabled, temporarily sacrificing productivity to ensure reliability. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize for either speed or accuracy based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic self-testing sequences that interrupt continuous functional operation at scheduled intervals. The control register can be configured to initiate test sequences periodically or on-demand, allowing the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while regularly verifying reliability through automated testing cycles. This periodic action ensures that writing errors are detected without continuously compromising productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a triplication register device comprising a first register (REG.1), a second register (REG.2) and a third register (REG.3), the three registers being identical and containing the same information in normal use, a majority voting device and a self-correction device (BAC), the correction being a function of the result of the majority voting device, each register being controlled by the output of a two-input multiplexer (mux), the first input corresponding to a functional writing, the second input corresponding to the result of the majority vote, characterized in that the triplication device comprises a test device whose function is to inhibit on command and independently either the functional writing in the first register, or the functional writing in the second register, or the functional writing in the third register, or the self-correction.The test device may include a control register which can also be secured by triplicate.