Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 8
Physical Fault Models and Fault Tolerance
Jean Arlat and Yves Crouzet
Abstract Dependable systems are obtained by means of extensive testing
procedures and the incorporation of fault tolerance mechanisms encompassing
error detection (on-line testing) and system recovery. In that context, the charac-
terization of fault models that are both tractable and representative of actual faults
constitute an essential basis upon which one can efficiently verify, design or assess
dependable systems. On one hand, models should refer to erroneous behaviors that
are as abstract and as broad as possible to allow for the definition and development
of both generic fault tolerance mechanisms and cost-effective injection techniques.
On the other hand, the models should definitely aim at matching the erroneous
behaviors induced by real faults.
In this chapter, we focus on the representativeness of fault models with respect
to physical faults for deriving relevant testing procedures as well as detection mech-
anisms and experimental assessment techniques. We first discuss the accuracy of
logic fault models with respect to physical defects in the implementation of off-
line/on-line testing mechanisms. Then, we show how the fault models are linked to
the identification and implementation of relevant fault injection-based dependability
assessment techniques.
Keywords Defect characterization Fault models Testability improvement Test-
ing procedures Test sequences generation Layout rules Coding Error detection
Self-checking Fault-injection-based testing Dependability assessment
8.1
Introduction
The proper characterization of component defects and related fault models during
the development phase and during normal operation is a main concern. In order to
be appropriate and efficient, methodologies and procedures have to rely on models
) and Y. Crouzet
LAAS-CNRS; Universite de Toulouse; 7, avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31077 Toulouse, France
e-mail: jean.arlat@laas.fr
J. Arlat (
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