Importance

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Abstract

A multiprocessor system has a plurality of processing cells, each including a processor and memory, interconnected via a network. The memories respond to requests by the processors for accessing data and, absent fault, transmitting it in response packets to at least to the requesting processors. A fault containment element responds to at least certain faults during access or transmission of a datum for including within the respective response packet a fault signal that prevents the requestor from accessing the datum. If a fault is detected in a datum not previously detected as faulty, a marking element can include a 'marked fault' signal in the response packet. Whereas, it can include an 'unmarked fault' signal when it detects a fault associated with a requested datum, but not specifically isolated to that datum. When a request is made for a datum which had previously been detected as faulty, the marking element can include in the response packet a 'descriptor fault' signal. This facilitates identification of a particular source of an error and prevents that error from propagating to other processing cells.

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First Claim