TRSHOOT: a model-based troubleshooter

ABSTRACT

Parity checking is a common error detection scheme used in electronic circuits. We describe a model-based approach to building a system, TRSHOOT, that troubleshoots parity errors in a circuit. Given the appropriate structural and behavioral descriptions of a circuit and the symptoms of its failure, the system generates a list of plausible candidates responsible for the failure by applying suitable general principles. The candidate generation process comprises of three sub-processes: indictment, exoneration and extended exoneration. All these processes are discussed in some detail. A high level strategy is shown to provide useful guide to the troubleshooting process.

REFERENCES

• Davis84: Randall Davis, Diagnostic reasoning based on structure and behavior, Artificial Intelligence, v.24 n.1-3, p.347-410, Dec. 1984 [doi>10.1016/0004-3702(84)90042-0]
• deKleer87: J de Kleer , B C Williams, Diagnosing multiple faults, Artificial Intelligence, v.32 n.1, p.97-130, April 1987 [doi>10.1016/0004-3702(87)90063-4]
• Genesereth84: Michael R. Genesereth, The use of design descriptions in automated diagnosis, Artificial Intelligence, v.24 n.1-3, p.411-436, Dec. 1984 [doi>10.1016/0004-3702(84)90043-2]
• Goh87: Choon P, Gob. Troubleshooting Parity Error: A Causal Approach. MIT EECS Department Thesis,

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
      Subjects: Electronics

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.7 INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.1 Applications and Expert Systems
          Subjects: Industrial automation

General Terms:
Design, Reliability