A high reliability dual inline memory module with a fault tolerant address
and command bus for use in a server. The memory module is a card
approximately 151.35 mm or 5.97 inches long provided with about a
plurality of contacts of which some are redundant, a plurality of DRAMs,
a phase lock loop, a 2 or 32K bit serial EE PROM and a 28 bit, a 1 to 2
register having error correction code (ECC), parity checking, a
multi-byte fault reporting circuitry for reading via an independent bus,
and real time error lines for determining and reporting both correctable
errors and uncorrectable error conditions coupled to the server's memory
interface chip and memory controller or processor such that the memory
controller sends address and command information to the register via
address/command lines together with check bits for error correction
purposes to the ECC/Parity register. By providing the module with a fault
tolerant address and command bus fault-tolerance and self-healing aspects
necessary for autonomic computing systems compatible with
industry-standards is realized. The memory module corrects single bit
errors on the command or address bus and permits continuous memory
operation independent of the existence of these errors and can determine
any double bit error condition. The redundant contacts on the module
prevents what would otherwise be single points of failure.