A low-cost concurrent error detection technique for processor control logic

This paper presents a concurrent error detection technique targeted towards control logic in a processor with emphasis on low area overhead. Rather than detect all modeled transient faults, the technique selects faults which have a high probability of causing damage to the architectural state of the processor and protects the circuit against these faults. Fault detection is achieved through a series of assertions. Each assertion is an implication from inputs to the outputs of a combinational circuit. Fault simulation experiments performed on control logic modules of an industrial processor suggest that high reduction in damage causing faults can be achieved with a low overhead.