Programmable computer comprising means for checking the error-correcting circuits

摘要

The memory modules of a computer are provided with means for checking the operation of the error-correcting circuits under program control. Field testing hitherto has been carried out by writing test patterns into the memory array but this is time-consuming and relies on the assumption that the memory array is operating correctly, which, in many cases, is unrealistic. The invention provides means whereby the circuits may be tested directly under software control.;The invention provides mode setting means (31) by which the program is enabled to set one or more digits in a status register (21) in the memory module, placing it in a maintenance mode. In this mode transfer of data between the memory array (22) and the data register (27) is prevented, and the program is enabled to write into and read from the data register directly.;Two digit positions of the status register (21) may be used, one of them (218) when set enabling the program to write into and read from data positions in a holding register within the data register (27), and the other when set enabling the program to write into the error code positions in that register. When neither digit is set, address instructions from the central processing unit (10) address the memory array (22) in the usual way.