Abstract:
A self-testing error-checking system for inclusion in a computer comprising a plurality of self-testing check circuits, each said circuit having a two-rail complementary output whenever both the circuits being tested and the checking circuit is operating properly and an identical output on each of the two output lines whenever a fault is detected. The improvement which comprises reduction checking means connected to all said two-rail outputs from said checking circuits, and means connected to the output of said reduction checker means for at least indicating that a failure has occurred. The output of said reduction checker itself is two rail and complementary when all inputs are correct and the checker itself is operating properly. The output of the present checking system may be connected to a computer interrupt circuit or to a visual logout means. Alternatively, the system output may be utilized to effect automatic self-repair.
Abstract:
A SERIES OF SELF-CHECKING ERROR CHECKING CIRCUITS ARE DISCLOSED FOR CHECKING K-OUT-OF-N CODED DATA LINES. THE N LINES ARE BROKEN INTO TWO, PREFERABLY EQUAL, GROUPS. A LOGIC EQUATION IS DERIVED FOR EACH GROUP OF LINES WHEREBY, WITH ANY K-OUT-OF-N CODED DATA SIGNALS APPLIED TO THE INPUT, AT LEAST TWO COMPLEMENTARY OUTPUT SIGNALS ARE PRODUCED. ANY ERROR APPEARING IN THE RECEIVED CODE WILL BE INDICATED AS SUCH BY NON-COMPLEMENTARY OUTPUTS FROM
THE CHECKER IN THE OUTPUT OF THE CHECKER. MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES IN THE CHECKING CIRCUIT ARE CHECKED BY CERTAIN LEGITIMATE CODE SIGNALS WHICH SIMILARLY CAUSE AN ERROR REPRESENTATION IN NON-COMPLEMENTARY OUTPUTS AT THE OUTPUT OF THE CHECKER.