Threshold-based mechanisms to discriminate transient from intermittent faults

This paper presents a class of count-and-threshold mechanisms. collectively named rx-count, which are able to discriminate between transient faults an d intermittent faults in computing systems. For many years, commercial syst ems have been using transient fault discrimination via threshold-based tech niques. We aim to contribute to the utility of count-and-threshold schemes, by exploring their effects on the system. We adopt a mathematically define d structure, which is simple enough to analyze by standard tools, alpha-cou nt is equipped with internal parameters that can be tuned to suit environme ntal variables (such as transient fault rate, intermittent fault occurrence patterns). We carried out an extensive behavior analysis for two versions of the count-and-threshold scheme, assuming, first, exponentially distribut ed fault occurrencies and, then, more realistic fault patterns.