The cost-effective fault detection and fault location approach for communication channels in NoC

Abstract

In the current paper, we propose a new online search, fault detection, and fault location approach for short faults in network on chip communication channels. The approach proposed consists of a built-in self-test as well as a packet/flit comparings module embedded in the network adapter and a router, respectively. The approach is mainly characterized by the fact that, firstly, the diagnosis and location processes are simultaneously carried out after which the test time is minimized. Secondly, the approach updates the NoC routing tables far less costly in a parallel fashion. Thirdly, insignificant hardware is added to the system. The high scalability in the approach, in addition, leads to 100% test coverage, 71.4% capability of detecting faulty channels, and 100% detected faults location in one round (two phases). The simulation results show that the approach hardware is optimized compared with the previous methodologies.