Optimum test patterns for parity networks

Abstract

The logic related to the error detecting and/or correcting circuitry of digital computers often contains portions which calculate the parity of a collection of bits. A tree structure composed of Exclusive-OR gates is used to perform this calculation. Similar to any other circuitry, the operation of this parity tree is subject to malfunctions. A procedure for testing malfunctions in a parity tree is presented in this report.