A new hardware description language (HDL) extension at the
register-transfer level (RTL) for designating particular logic functions
as fault tolerant and a method of implementing a fault redundant scheme
for the fault tolerant logic functions. Code (20) is written in VHDL at
the RTL and includes instructions for adding the operator "FT" to certain
logic functions. Logic functions that include the FT operator are
considered critical functions, i.e., fault tolerant. By including the FT
operator, a logic synthesis tool is alerted to the functions that have
been designated as fault tolerant. As a result, the preprogrammed logic
synthesis tool causes the design of the IC to include a fault redundant
scheme (30) for the logic functions that include the FT operator. Fault
redundant scheme (30) includes three copies of the logic function, i.e.,
Copy A (32), Copy B (34), and Copy C (36), as well as a majority voter
38.