Testing error correcting code feature in computers that do not have direct hardware features for causing single bit and multi-bit errors

摘要

Built-in tests included in reset functions of single board computers can be rapidly performed to confirm adequate functionality without additional hardware support by disabling an error correcting code function in a memory controller, writing a pattern of predictable parity to a location in memory and reading and correcting the pattern with the error correcting code function of the memory controller re-enabled. Thus, resets caused by, for example, momentary soft errors or power interruptions can be executed within rigid time constraints and thus negligibly short interruptions of processor function.