CEDREC - A Concurrent Error Detection Schema using Residue Codes

It has been reported that as circuit densities increase the incidence rate of intermittent faults is also increasing. This failure mode, however, is not detected by current test strategies which are directed at detecting permanent faults. The CEDREC schema, which is implemented using mod 3 residue codes, offers a cost effective means of detecting intermittent faults. This schema can be applied readily to a wide range of function types, e.g. arithmetic, logic and storage functions, and hence is ideally suited for integration into VLSI systems. The CEDREC schema also offers a reduction in testing costs when compared with current testing strategies applied to the detection of permanent faults.