Processor independent error checking arrangement
US5764660A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/1679
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dual processor computer system with error checking that stops immediately when a discrepancy is detected between the two processors. The system includes a first processor for executing a series of instructions including input/output instructions. A second processor executes the same instructions independently of and in synchronization with the first processor. Both processors have a processor independent bus interface. All significant processor address, data, and control signals are connected to all peripheral devices by a processor independent I/O bus. A comparison circuit detects discrepancies in the operation of the two lock step processors and provides a signal that immediately stops operation of the processors when an error is detected. Each processor is connected through its associated processor independent bus interface to the comparison circuit and the first processor is also connected through its interface to the I/O bus. The I/O bus is independent of the processor type, clock rate, and peripherals chosen in the construction of the computing system. This independence allows the computing system to be upgraded with faster processors and newer peripherals, without having t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.