Designing fault-secure parallel encoders for systematic linear error correcting codes

We consider the open problem of designing fault-secure parallel encoders for various systematic linear ECC. The main idea relies on generating not only the check bits for error correction but also, separately and in parallel, the check bits for error detection. Then, the latter are compared against error detecting check bits which are regenerated from the error correcting check bits. The detailed design is presented for encoders for CRC codes. The complexity evaluation of FPGA implementations of encoders with various degrees of parallelism shows that their fault-secure versions compare favorably against their unprotected counterparts both with respect to complexity and the maximal frequency of operation. Future research will include the design of FS decoders for CRC codes as well as the generalization of the presented ideas to design of FS encoders and decoders for other systematic linear ECC like nonbinary BCH codes and Reed-Solomon codes.