Intel iAPX 432: VLSI building blocks for a fault-tolerant computer

  • Authors:

  • Dave Johnson;Dave Budde;Dave Carson;Craig Peterson

  • Affiliations:

  • Intel Corporation, Aloha, Oregon;Intel Corporation, Aloha, Oregon;Intel Corporation, Aloha, Oregon;Intel Corporation, Aloha, Oregon

  • Venue:
  • AFIPS '83 Proceedings of the May 16-19, 1983, national computer conference
  • Year:
  • 1983

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Abstract

Early in 1983 two new VLSI components were added to the iAPX 432 family of components. The 43204 Bus Interface Unit (BIU) and the 43205 Memory Control Unit (MCU) extend the logical flexibility and robustness of the 432 processors into the physical implementation of 432 systems. The BIU and MCU provide a range of fault-tolerant system options. The components provide comprehensive detection facilities for processor operations as well as for the operation of buses and memories. Recovery is possible from permanent as well as transient errors. Detection and recovery are done totally in the VLSI components; there is no need for additional TTL logic or diagnostic software. This range of fault-tolerant capabilities is achieved by replication of VLSI components. VLSI replication provides software transparent migration over the full range of fault-tolerant options without any penalties for unused fault-tolerant facilities in low-end systems.