Processor Control - Flow Error - Detection Techniques Model and Evaluation Tool

A model of computer system's behavior is presented with embedded tools for control flow error detection. The model is aimed at determining of the coverage factor of these tools and/or the techniques for their construction and of combinations of the techniques. The actual parametersof the evaluated system and the specific implementation characteristics of the error detection techniques/tools are considered in the model. The system behavior is presented as a probabilistic graph, where absorbing states are defined for which the specific coverage factors of the different techniques could be analytically determined. The timedependent model allows for simulation of the coverage factor as a function of time from the point of error occurence. On the basis of this model and evaluation tool is developed for coverage assessment at different design stages. To illustrate the abilities of the evaluation tool experimental results are presented obtained on a generalized system and the influence of some significant implementation characteristics of the different techniques is analized.