Recovery from Soft Errors in Triplicated Computer Systems Operating in Lock-Step

摘要

A Triply Modular Redundant (TMR) computer system operating in clocked lock-step is being investigated for an application requiring a Mean Time Between Failure of five years. No mechanical memories are used; this allows comparison of the outputs of the three computers to be made each clock period. The most novel contribution is the method of recovery from soft errors, such as those produced by lightning strokes or alpha particles. Data are provided on the uptime history of an experimental system, which uses three commercial microcomputers.