On the selection of unidirectional error detecting codes for self-checking circuits area overhead and performance optimization

In this paper we address the issue of optimizing the area overhead and performance of self-checking circuits using all unidirectional error detecting codes (AUEDCs), with no impact on system´s reliability. In particular, we propose an error detecting code selection approach that, starting from the consideration of the functional circuit topology, allows us to identify whether or not all output bits can be simultaneously erroneous, thus actually mandating the adoption of an AUEDC. We show that, differently from common expectations, this may frequently be not the case (for approximately the 50% of the considered benchmarks) for all possible internal node stuck-ats, transistor stuck-ons, transistor stuck-opens and resistive bridgings. We then propose a tool that, starting from the (combinational or sequential) circuit high level description, allows us to identify whether or not this is the case and, in particular, which is the maximal number (t) of possibly simultaneously erroneous output bits. Based on this information, a lower redundancy error detecting code (e.g., a t-UEDC) is adopted, rather than an AUEDC, thus generally allowing reducing area overhead and impact on system´s performance. Such a code is automatically implemented by our developed tool, whose effectiveness has been verified for benchmark circuits and for a FPGA implemented prototype.