A dependability model for TMR system

Much research has been done on the dependability evaluation of computer systems. However, much of this is gone no further than study of the fault coverage of such systems, with little focus on the relationship between fault coverage and overall system dependability. In this paper, a Markovian dependability model for triple-modular-redundancy (TMR) system is presented. Having fully considered the effects of fault coverage, working time, and constant failure rate of single module on the dependability of the target TMR system, the model is built based on the stepwise degradation strategy. Through the model, the relationship between the fault coverage and the dependability of the system is determined. What is more, the dependability of the system can be dynamically and precisely predicted at any given time with the fault coverage set. This will be of much benefit for the dependability evaluation and improvement, and be helpful for the system design and maintenance.