Nios® V Processor: Lockstep Implementation

ID 833274
Date 10/07/2024
Public
Document Table of Contents

2.2.2. System States

The fRSmartComp contains hardware safety mechanisms that work in parallel. Additionally, it features a hardware state machine to provide a high-level state output, which helps in determining the state of the fRSmartComp.
Figure 7. State Diagram of fRSmartComp
Table 4.  System States and Description
State Description
Online Detection (OD)

The system is in online mode and detects errors coming from the diagnostic logic. This is the state after the asynchronous reset de-assertion.

  • Performs according to the configuration defined through the Configuration Interface (or fRNET interface).
  • Allows the System Supervisor to change the fRSmartComp configuration.
  • Waits for error detection and transitions to FCS if an alarm is generated.
  • A timeout alarm is generated if the System Supervisor does not issue a specific timeout acknowledgment within a programmable deadline after asynchronous reset.
Failure Control by System Supervisor (FCS)
In offline mode, executes the pre-programmed actions and immediately gives control to the System Supervisor:
  • Implements failure control actions (if any) according to the type of alarm previously generated and the current configuration.

  • Ignores any new faults of the same kind.

  • Waits for commands issued by the System Supervisor.
  • Maintains this state until the DISABLE command is issued or an asynchronous reset occurs.
  • A timeout alarm is generated if the DISABLE command is not issued within a programmable deadline.
DISABLED (Disabled)
In off-line mode, disabled by System Supervisor:
  • Waits for the ENABLE command to transit back to the OD state.
  • Maintains the LOGS information regarding the generated alarms.
  • Allows the System Supervisor to change the fRSmartComp configuration.
  • A timeout alarm is generated if the ENABLE command is not issued within a programmable deadline.
Note: You can restart the fRSmartComp to Online Detection state using asynchronous reset at anytime.