Apparatus and method for detecting a fault with a clock source

摘要

A method includes receiving a first clock signal from a first clock source at a clock monitoring unit. The method also includes counting a first number of pulses in the first clock signal during a specified time period. The method further includes identifying a fault with the first clock source when the first number does not have an acceptable value. In addition, the method includes testing the clock monitoring unit by determining whether the clock monitoring unit identifies an artificial clock fault. The time period could be defined by receiving a second clock signal, counting a second number of pulses in the second clock signal, and signaling when the second number meets or exceeds a threshold value. In response to the identified fault with the first clock source, a second clock source could be used to provide a second clock signal.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving a first clock signal from a first clock source at a clock monitoring unit; providing the first clock signal to a first component that operates using the first clock signal; counting a first number of pulses in the first clock signal during a specified time period; identifying a fault with the first clock source when the first number does not have an acceptable value; in response to the identified fault with the first clock source, causing a second clock source to provide a second clock signal to at least one of: the first component and a redundant second component; and testing the clock monitoring unit by determining whether the clock monitoring unit identifies an artificial clock fault.