How Lockstep Core works

[Kiran_Gowda]

Hi All,

I need to understand the lockstep core working mechanism in the S32K3XX microcontroller, why we need a lockstep core, and how it is different from a dual core.

Please share your insights on this and share any references or documents to understand the working mechanism of the Lockstep core.

Thanks in advance.

[VaneB]

Hi @Kiran_Gowda 

Lockstep is a technique used to achieve high reliability in a microprocessor system.

The two identical processors are initialized to the same state, and they receive the same inputs (code, bus operations, and asynchronous events), so during normal operation the two processors operate in parallel, executing the same set of instructions simultaneously. The key feature of lockstep is that both cores execute the same instructions and compare their results at every step to ensure they match. If a discrepancy is detected, it indicates a potential error or fault in one of the cores, triggering a fault-handling mechanism.

Also, check the following thread. It has information related to the topic. 

Where can I find documentation regarding the lockstep mode for S32K344?

B.R.

VaneB