HETA: hybrid error-detection technique using assertions

Abstract

This paper presents HETA, a hybrid technique based on assertions and a non-intrusive enhanced watchdog module to detect SEE faults in microprocessors. These types of faults have a major influence in the microprocessor’s control flow, causing incorrect jumps in the program’s execution flow. In order to protect the system, a non-intrusive hardware module is implemented in order to monitor the data exchanged between the microprocessor and its memory. Since the hardware itself is not capable of detecting all control flow errors, it is enhanced to support a new software-based technique. Also, previous techniques are used to reach higher detection rates. A fault injection campaign is performed using a MIPS microprocessor. Simulation results show high detection rates with a small amount of performance degradation and area overhead.