High reliability computer diagnostics system

摘要

In a multiple-board computer system, diagnostics are primarily performed by highly reliable microcontroller units (MCUs) on each processor (and memory) board. Operated separately from the board central processing units so that board failure will not prohibit diagnostic routines, the MCUs are serially connected to a bus separate from the main bus. Redundant diagnostic processor board MCUs constantly monitor the other MCUs and the serial bus, and oversee the operation of an MCUs on a malfunctioning board. In an alternate embodiment the diagnostic processor boards are replaced by a microcomputer serving as a monitor.