VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation

We present a novel approach for the on-chip generation of a fault-tolerant clock. Our method is based on the hardware implementation of a tick synchronization algorithm from the distributed systems community. We discuss the selection of an appropriate algorithm, present the refinement steps necessar...

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Main Authors: Gottfried Fuchs, Andreas Steininger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2011-01-01
Series:Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/936712
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author Gottfried Fuchs
Andreas Steininger
author_facet Gottfried Fuchs
Andreas Steininger
author_sort Gottfried Fuchs
collection DOAJ
description We present a novel approach for the on-chip generation of a fault-tolerant clock. Our method is based on the hardware implementation of a tick synchronization algorithm from the distributed systems community. We discuss the selection of an appropriate algorithm, present the refinement steps necessary to facilitate its efficient mapping to hardware, and elaborate on the key challenges we had to overcome in our actual ASIC implementation. Our measurement results confirm that the approach is indeed capable of creating a globally synchronized clock in a distributed fashion that is tolerant to a (configurable) number of arbitrary faults. This property facilitates eliminating the clock as a single point of failure. Our solution is based on purely asynchronous design, obviating the need for crystal oscillators. It is capable of adapting to parameter variations as well as changes in temperature and power supply–properties that are considered highly desirable for future technology nodes.
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publishDate 2011-01-01
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series Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
spelling doaj-art-6dcf9ea807494f28a8094d702c0af3ef2025-08-20T03:33:50ZengWileyJournal of Electrical and Computer Engineering2090-01472090-01552011-01-01201110.1155/2011/936712936712VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock GenerationGottfried Fuchs0Andreas Steininger1Embedded Computing Systems Group (E182/2), Technische Universität Wien, Treitlstraße 3, 1040 Vienna, AustriaEmbedded Computing Systems Group (E182/2), Technische Universität Wien, Treitlstraße 3, 1040 Vienna, AustriaWe present a novel approach for the on-chip generation of a fault-tolerant clock. Our method is based on the hardware implementation of a tick synchronization algorithm from the distributed systems community. We discuss the selection of an appropriate algorithm, present the refinement steps necessary to facilitate its efficient mapping to hardware, and elaborate on the key challenges we had to overcome in our actual ASIC implementation. Our measurement results confirm that the approach is indeed capable of creating a globally synchronized clock in a distributed fashion that is tolerant to a (configurable) number of arbitrary faults. This property facilitates eliminating the clock as a single point of failure. Our solution is based on purely asynchronous design, obviating the need for crystal oscillators. It is capable of adapting to parameter variations as well as changes in temperature and power supply–properties that are considered highly desirable for future technology nodes.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/936712
spellingShingle Gottfried Fuchs
Andreas Steininger
VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
title VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
title_full VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
title_fullStr VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
title_full_unstemmed VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
title_short VLSI Implementation of a Distributed Algorithm for Fault-Tolerant Clock Generation
title_sort vlsi implementation of a distributed algorithm for fault tolerant clock generation
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/936712
work_keys_str_mv AT gottfriedfuchs vlsiimplementationofadistributedalgorithmforfaulttolerantclockgeneration
AT andreassteininger vlsiimplementationofadistributedalgorithmforfaulttolerantclockgeneration