Modeling transient faults in TMR computer systems

Abstract

In this paper we report the development of a technique for modeling transient faults in redundant computer systems. Transient faults are characterized by their arrival rate and their duration. Fault detection, transient recovery, and the effect of permanent faults are included. A fault occurrence/recovery status state diagram is drawn to illustrate the operational status of the system while undergoing faults. The state diagram is used to formulate the equations for the mission failure probability. The techniques are then applied to a triple modular redundant computer system.