Monitoring machine based synthesis technique for concurrent error detection in finite state machines

This paper discusses a new design methodology for concurrent error detection in synchronous sequential circuits based on the use of monitoring machines. In this approach, an auxiliary sequential circuit, called the monitoring machine, operates in lock-step with the main machine, such that any fault in either of the two machines is immediately detected. This methodology is independent of the fault model. It can be applied to FSMs with pre-encoded states and can also be used for ones being synthesised. It also provides a systematic framework for the combined optimisation of the main and monitoring machines, and for exploring tradeoffs in their implementation. The design of monitored sequential circuits is a two-fold problem; namely one of designing an optimal monitoring machine given the main machine, and the other of encoding the main machine states so that the resulting monitoring machine is minimal. This paper formally discusses the design of both the main and monitoring machines and techniques for their combined optimisation. Tradeoffs in their implementation based on selective fault detection are also examined. Through experimental results, it is shown that the proposed synthesis technique is eminently suitable for the design of low-cost sequential circuits with concurrent error detection. The monitoring machine is less costly than the main machine. It is also not identical to it. As a result, a monitored sequential circuit has significantly lower hardware cost and improved fault coverage than previous implementations. Presently at Texas Instruments (India) Ltd., Bangalore, India.